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Riding For Two of Their Own
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Bikers ride to support officers Corporal Bill Hoch and Sergeant Mike McKeithen who were shot in the line of duty.

The officers were serving a warrant for aggravated assault at the Sugar Hill home of 37-year-old William Caram, when Caram shot out his bedroom window




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Posted By: Duffie Dixon
Last Modified: 5/18/2008 10:39:33 PM

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -- They admit it's not their normal look. Sunday afternoon, down the streets of Gwinnett County, 600 motorcycle riders created a sea of leather vests, chaps and mirrored sunglasses. What most onlookers probably didn't realize at first glance is that they're all police officers. And they were riding for two of their own.

"An injury like Bill and I had could happen to any officer at any time. The support from other officers is overwhelming. It's more like a family," said Sergeant Mike McKeithen, a 22 year veteran with the Gwinnett County Police Department.

Corporal Bill Hoch and Sergeant Mike McKeithen were shot in the line of duty January 3, 2008. They were serving a warrant for aggravated assault at the Sugar Hill home of 37-year-old William Caram, when Caram shot out his bedroom window. That led to a 14-hour standoff that ended when Caram shot and killed himself.

Sunday's benefit raised money to help both injured officers with medical bills and set aside some money for the Gwinnett County Police Employee Benevolent Fund that aids fellow officers who need financial assistance during emergency situations.

"These people are doing this out of the goodness of their hearts. It just shows the closeness of the brotherhood of being from a police department. It is just an honor to be here and witness it," said Corporal William Hoch.




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