Brandywine police officer rides charity bike race for first responder families

MEDIA, Pa. — Bill Carter, one of Penn State Brandywine’s University Police and Public Safety officers, participated in Ben to the Shore, an annual bike race that raises money for families of injured and fallen first responders, on July 21. The race spans 65 miles, from the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia to Atlantic City.

The race is organized by the Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting first responder families and promoting positive relationships between police officers and the communities they serve.

Carter was part of a team called the Delco 476ers — Interstate 476 bisects Delaware County — which consisted of Delaware County law enforcement. The team raised $51,000, which contributed to the overall total of $1.2 million.

“Our team leaders — Delaware County Deputy District Attorneys Matt Krouse and Laurie Moore — really brought the Delaware County law enforcement community together and encouraged all of us to ride,” he said. “Our team ranked third in donations this year, and we beat our projected goal of $40,000.”

This year was Carter’s fourth time competing in the race. He said he initially wanted to participate in the race because of where the funds are going, and he’s been motivated to do it ever since.

“Just knowing who receives the donations was enough for me to participate,” he said. “My time was five hours, 44 minutes and 21 seconds, putting me at 1,224th place out of 1,328. I was disappointed but happy I finished.”

Carter had been training for the race since March, but noted that he’s going to start training for next year’s race starting on Aug. 1.

“I plan to review how I trained and where I need to improve. You have to train longer than four months for this ride, especially when you have other priorities at home and work. I am planning to begin training Aug. 1 for next year’s ride,” he said.

When reflecting on his favorite part of the race, Carter said he most enjoyed crossing the finish line and calling his wife to tell her he finished.

“I think the best part for me was crossing the finish line and calling my wife to let her know I made it. She tracked me during the ride and sent encouraging texts to keep me going,” he said. “All the volunteers with traffic, support buses and especially the rest stops were wonderful! They kept us safe and fueled up to continue.”