SAN ANTONIO – The roar of hundreds of bikes sounded their support Saturday for an injured San Antonio police officer.
A line of bikes, many of them law enforcement officers, rolled out of Deer Crossing Saloon, riding for the joy of it and for their brother in blue Officer Julio Cavazos.
“We want him to know we love him, and he's not going to be forgotten and fall through the cracks. And he was our hero that day,” said Det. Jeff Stewart, with the San Antonio Police Department.
Cavazos was injured in the June 29 shooting that claimed the life of his partner Officer Miguel Moreno. That day was still on the group’s mind Saturday.
“It was devastating,” said Julie Peters, with Karibenos Motorcycle Club.
“I was at work and I got the news and we were all in shock,” Stewart said.
“You get that deep, sinking feeling in your gut, you know? You want to do what you can to help,” said San Antonio Officer Oscar Perez, Thin Blue Line MC chapter president.
The money from a raffle, a silent auction and rider donations will go to Cavazos and his family. It was an event bolstered by the community.
“Today, they're our first responder. You know, we called 911 and they came for us,” Stewart said.
Some people without motorcycles showed up to support the group’s fundraising efforts.
“Seeing the support from our community, seeing the support from our fellow brothers in blue, we have officers, you know, from Austin, Houston, they all come in and we all support each other,” Perez said.
“That's kind of what we're getting out here today, that we're here for you and they're here for us,” Stewart said.
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