By Ron Cox

Three hundred fifty-seven riders and passengers assembled at Stu’s Motorcycles in south Ft. Myers to participate in a Memorial Ride for Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Officer Julian Keen who lost his life serving the community.

Early and on-line pre-registrations indicated this would be a monster ride and the columns of motorcycles reached down the side of the dealership and wrapped around it almost completely. A tip of the cap should go to the Motor Officers of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for safely escorting the riders on the 100-mile route.

Wildlife Officer Keen was shot and killed in LaBelle when he attempted to stop a hit-and-run suspect while off duty. It would be a gross understatement to say how much the LaBelle community loved and admired this man.

Hendry County deputies located Officer Keen’s body after responding to reports of a shooting near the intersection of Nobles Road and Apache Circle. Keen’s alleged killer is in custody trying to make bail. Thirty-year-old Keen had served with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for six years.

Upon returning to Stu’s there were hot dogs and burgers on hand along with some ice-cold beverages. A different wrinkle to a biker event was the axe throwing demonstration with the opportunity to try your hand at it yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On a lighter note, some lovely ladies were willing to wash your ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All proceeds from today’s event ($9,000+) will go to the Julian Keen Memorial Scholarship. The Scholarship benefits youth pursuing a criminal justice degree or a career in law enforcement.