Police Officers
During this season of good cheer, good deeds and generosity, we like to feature folks in our area who give their time, talents, energy and resources to those in need. And our community is undoubtedly filled with generous people who expect nothing in return other than knowing they make a difference in someone’s life.
Todd Welch is no stranger to the friends and neighbors in our community. He has not only served as a Newtown Township Police Officer for the past 27 years; he is a lifelong Newtown Square resident, Marple Newtown graduate, and a volunteer member of our Newtown Square Fire Company.
Todd has dedicated his life to serving others in our neighborhood and beyond. This spring, Todd will once again raise money and awareness for fallen Law Enforcement Officers and their families through the Police Unity Tour. “The tour is a four-day, 270-mile bike ride to Washington, D.C.,” he
explained. “The main purpose is to raise awareness of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many law enforcement officers while also raising funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum.”
the Rose Tree Park Memorial Service.
The Police Unity Tour was organized by Officer Patrick P. Montuore of the Florham Park Police Department in May 1997. What started with 18 riders on a four-day fund-raising bicycle ride from Florham Park, NJ, to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., has grown into nine chapters consisting of over 2,600 members nationwide who make the trip annually. Participants include riders, motorcycles, and support personnel. Todd said that each participant must meet a minimum fundraising goal, and a portion of the money raised goes towards food and lodging during the trip.
Full-time, part-time, and retired law enforcement officers and families of fallen officers (at least 18 years old) can participate as a rider or support members. “One year, my parents participated with me as support personnel,” Todd recalled. “They played snare and tenor drums at memorial events along the way to D.C. That was very special.”
This will be the fifth time that Todd has participated in the ride. “The journey is long and challenging, but it is worth every minute I spend training,” Todd explained. “Our chapter rides together in unity, making stops along the way to honor our local fallen officers.” He said that on the fourth day, all riders’ chapters gather at RFK Stadium before proceeding to the police memorial.
Washington, D.C.
services along the bike route
The final day of the tour concludes with a candlelight vigil and ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum. Participants are greeted by friends, family, and survivors. Once there, many Police Unity Tour members present remembrance bracelets worn on their wrists throughout the journey to the families of the fallen. This year, Todd will be riding in memory of Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald, a Temple University Police Department Officer, who was killed in the line of duty in February 2023. “It is such an honor to put on my Class A Uniform that day and escort the families of the fallen to their seats,” Todd said. “Their loved ones paid the ultimate price to better our communities, and we are there to assure them that their lives mattered, and their stories will continue to be told.”
Thank you, Todd, for your service here in our hometown and for helping to raise awareness for our fallen officers nationwide. For more information about the Police Unity Tour, visit their website, www.PoliceUnityTour.com, or email Todd Welch directly at WelchTM@NewtownTownship.org.