Tony Baird and David Easler joined News13 NOW at 9 a.m. on Wednesday to talk about the “Florence 7 Benefit Ride.” The ride and community day on Saturday will raise money for the five law enforcement officers who survived and the families of the two officers killed in a shooting in Florence in early October.

Investigators say Frederick Hopkins, 74, shot at the seven law enforcement officers at his home in the Vintage Place neighborhood on October 3. Florence Police Sgt. Terrence Carroway died that day. Florence County Investigator Farrah Turner died 19 days later. The other officers shot had serious injuries.

Baird operates Raceway Grill in Darlington. Carroway was from Darlington originally. Baird said he and Easler previously worked in law enforcement and either knew the officers involved or just felt a connection to them because of the law enforcement bond.

He said when he and others organized the event, they had in mind the ongoing medical bills, funeral costs and other expenses the officers and their families are still dealing with.

“The night it happened we wanted to be there, but we couldn’t because we’re no longer involved in law enforcement,” Baird commented. “We just felt like we needed to help them do something to give back to them – let the families know that they’re still appreciated.”
Easler said he and others at the Black Jack Harley Davidson motorcycle dealership were happy get involved.

Registration for the ride will be Saturday, November 24 from 10 a.m to 1:30 p.m. at Black Jack Harley Davidson. The 2 p.m. ride will end at the Darlington Raceway.

Members of the officers’ families will participate in the ride. Especially for that reason, people are encouraged to line the route of the route.

Live music, a kid zone, a car and motorcycle display, a motorcycle skill course, a silent auction and food will be part of the event at the raceway. College football – particularly the South Carolina vs. Clemson game – will be shown on a big projection screen.

The ride fee of $20 per person includes a meal and the live entertainment. Children aged 12 and younger can participate for $5.

More information is available by calling the motorcycle dealership at 843-669-9961. Details have also been posted in a Facebook event.