Eight Los Angeles Police Department officers pedaled away from the Hollywood Division on April 25 en route to Washington, D.C. in a memorial ride to raise awareness and funding for fallen comrades.

The cross-country riders are officers Mike Gomez, Chris Miller and Nick Gutierrez, of the Hollywood Division; Sgt. Steve Showler, of the Pacific Division; Sgt. Dave Tango and Officer Dave Marroquin, of the Community Relations Division; Officer Jorge Trejo, of the West Traffic Division; and retired officer Vinny Stroway. They will be accompanied by 12 support staff members, including management assistant Michelle Rubio, a civilian employee at the Hollywood Division, and registered nurse Amie Del Valle.

The ride was the brainchild of the officers at the Hollywood Division, and Rubio helped with logistics and coordination. They were joined by dozens of other officers on bicycles who accompanied them on the first leg of the trip on Tuesday to Palm Springs. The officers are expected to complete the 2,980-mile trek and arrive in Washington, D.C. on May 12.

Rubio said the officers raised approximately $30,000 for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. and the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation, which supports the families of fallen officers. The cyclists were given a warm send-off that included remarks by Councilmen Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, and David Ryu, 4th District, as well as LAPD Assistant Chief Michael Moore and Hollywood Division Capt. Cory Palka.

“There is amazing support for the LAPD,” O’Farrell said. “My colleague David Ryu and I are here to let [the officers] know that city leadership supports the LAPD.”

Ryu said it is particularly important the cyclists are calling attention to fallen colleagues.

“This is to remember your own,” Ryu added. “Thank you so much for your service. We very much appreciate it.”

Ryu also acknowledged the family of Officer Nicholas Lee, of the Hollywood Division, who was killed in the line of duty in 2014 when the patrol car he was driving was struck by a truck that went out of control on a steep road in Beverly Hills. The fallen officer’s wife and children attended the send-off ceremony on Tuesday and thanked the officers for their support.

“It’s amazing that they are able to make this journey in memory of fallen officers,” said Cathy Lee, Nicholas Lee’s widow. “They are all heroes, and I am thankful to all the officers. It is something we can be part of to give back and show our support.”

Tango said he is an avid cyclist who jumped at the opportunity to ride.

“I am excited,” he said. “It’s been planned for over a year. I heard about it in November and said this is something I want to be a part of.”

Officer Cornel Sandoz, who works with the LAPD’s Community Relations Division and rode the first leg on Tuesday, said it is important for officers to remember those who made “the ultimate sacrifice.”

“It’s amazing paying tribute,” Sandoz said. “It’s a tremendous honor.”

The ride coincides with National Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 and National Police Week from May 14-20. Palka said he is proud of the officers who are riding and all the officers who put their lives at risk while serving as police officers.

“I am blown away by the tributes and the pride these officers have,” Palka said. “It’s an amazing thing.”

Members of the public are asked to support the officers by posting messages on social media. People can also learn about ways to support the riders and

donate money by visiting hollywoodmemorialride.com.