This morning, while most San Angeloans were still sleeping, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts gathered at the Jaime Padron Memorial Park at 2700 Ben Ficklin Road. Padron, a well respected former law enforcement officer in San Angelo, and member of the gang unit, was a rider and advocate of education. He was killed in the line of duty on April 6, 2012 in Austin, Texas.
The group of riders represented the "Blue Knights" (current and past law enforcement officers) from various chapters in surrounding areas, who, for the 3rd year, have come together to do what is called an "Ironbutt Run." Officer Brian Bylsma, president of the Blue Knights, Chapter XXXV, said, "The group here is going to be riding at least 1050 miles in less than 24 hours. There will be no rest periods, so it's pretty much a constant run."
Bylsma also said there were groups who did the ride in 18 hours last year, and some in 19 hours.
"The ride is from here to Cisco, west on I-20 to I-10, towards the Junction area, through Fredericksburg, Lampasas and Brady, and then back to San Angelo," stated Bylsma. He added that this is the riders' way of paying tribute to their long lost friend and brother.
Before their ride, the riders filled out necessary forms, checked mileage, the BK Chaplain said a prayer for all, and then they dispersed.
Bylsma said, "Once we meet back in San Angelo, we will have someone verify everybody's mileage and then we go our separate ways."
Bylsma stated there's an entry fee and money raised for the ride goes into the Jaime Padron Memorial Scholarship fund to assist local college students. He added the Blue Knights will also take part in "The Ride for the Fallen" at the Cowboy Harley Davidson in South Austin next month. They will leave San Angelo on May 5th to participate in the ride May 6th.
Officer Bylsma has been involved with the Blue Knights since 2008, joined the SAPD in 1999, and is also a retired police officer in the U.S. Military, Air Force branch, having started in 1978.
Fallen Officer Padron's brother, Johnny, and his wife Gloria attended this morning's send off as well.
Gloria said her in-laws couldn't make it out because Padron's father is in a wheelchair and they didn't want to bring him out in the cold. Johnny said his mom was up at 3 a.m. making food for the participants today. She made burritos, coffee and various sweets.
Johnny said he "remembered when Jaime had just started riding and tried to encourage him to ride with the Blue Knights."
Gloria added, "Now, Johnny regrets not riding with him. Johnny put Jaime's bike on the trailer and led the first year; after that, he doesn't want to touch it, leaving it just as it was. I'm surprised so many people still come out. It's very touching still."
Johnny humbly scrolled through his phone showing photos of what the Austin community has also done to memorialize their loved one. He said, "The North Police Substation, as well as the elementary school, have been renamed after Officer Jaime Padron. Even the school mascot is now the Badgers, named after the "badge."
The Padrons will also be attending next month's Annual Police Memorial in Austin at the fallen officers' site. They will have a candlelight vigil. Johnny said, "Walmart, in the city of Austin, will erect a memorial for any fallen officer at the site, and they have left it up to the family when they can be there." The Padrons have chosen when their son is home from the military, "some time in July."
For now, however, the Padrons enjoyed the honor of this morning's event. The crowd grew as the sun rose and several friends and family members arrived to see the 27 riders off including Kay Bylsma, wife of Officer Brian Bylsma. Shivering in the 36 degree weather, Kay smiled saying she "has gone on rides with her husband and the group before, but not today.
"I don't like them riding at night and pray they all get home safe," she said. "Every day, [when] he goes out to work, I pray for him to get home safe, but you get used to it."
When asked about the many patches on her husband's vest, there was one in particular that said "Peepaw." Kay said one of Bylsma's former students named him that and it "kind of stuck."
The riders were dressed in layers of leather, thermals, chaps, and heavy boots, but one in particular stood out. Sarah Allen stood next to her Suzuki Boulevard C50T, and said it was her second year to ride.
"Last year, I rode with my husband but I couldn't see anything (sitting on the back), so this year I am riding my own," Allen said.
All in all, with many organizations, there is "biological family" and then there is a camaraderie between co-workers which feels like a second "family." The Blue Knights have a bond that will live long and strong, and, today, the Padron family is very thankful for their support and efforts throughout the years.
For more information, check out blueknightstexas35.com. If you are interested in making a donation to this non-profit organization, go to the Area Foundation website and select the Jaime Padron Scholarship Fund.
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