We dedicate this day and today’s ride to the memory of our friend Rev. Ray Payne who passed away on September 3rd from complications arising from his extended period of volunteering at Ground Zero after the collapse of the Twin Towers. One of the many “uncounted victims” of the attack on the World Trade Center, Ray ministered relentlessly to the workers at Ground Zero and paid the ultimate price.

Police escorted us this morning to the site where Ray’s son, Officer David Payne, Lewiston PD, died in the line-of-duty on July 23, 1988. Several Lewiston PD officers and two reporters were gathered there to greet us at the stone memorial erected on the site this summer on July 21st. David’s parents, Ray and Barbara Payne, visited the site with the newly erected memorial stone two days later on July 23, the 24th anniversary of David’s EOW. Ray passed away a few weeks later in Glens Falls NY on September 3, 2012.

After visiting this site, Jim then rode his bike with police escort and entourage to Simard-Payne Memorial Park where we visited the Police Memorial erected in honor of the two Lewiston officers who have died in the line-of-duty: Paul Simard and David Payne.

Getting ready: Officer Patrick Griffin, Jim, Chris Pomerleau, Sgt. Dave Chick

Beautiful Memorial Stone for Officer David Payne at the site of his EOW.

Left to right: Sgt. Rob Ullrich, Chaplain Chris Pomerleau (rear), Officer Jason Johnson, Sgt. Joseph Bradon (rear), Jim, Jeanne, Motorcycle Officer Patrick Griffin, Ivan Boudreau (PD, Retired), Sgt. Brian O'Malley, Officer Desiree Michaud.

Getting ready for the ride to the Park Memorial

Better give that bicycle a head start up that hill!!

Beautiful Memorial at Simard-Payne Park

Closeup

Officer David R. Payne

Sgt. Rob Ullrich, Jim, Sgt. Dave Chick. Both with Lewiston PD.

Footbridge to Auburn - sister city to Lewiston

Sgt. Ullrich, Danielle Waugh with TV6, Officer Griffin, Chris Pomerleau at the park.

Great clam chowder and sweet potato fries at Pedro O'Hara's - owned by a retired Lewiston Police Chief! Thanks for a great lunch!

Sign says it all!

Police Memorabilia at Pedro O'Hara's!

Patches at O'Hara's!

Owner and grandsons!

An Irish blessing for you!

Back at S. Lewiston Baptist Church - packed up and ready to go!