Ogle, DeKalb and Whiteside Sheriffs Join Charity Ride Across Illinois

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — The 22nd annual Cycle Across Illinois charity bicycle ride began Thursday as riders completed the first day of the four day trip from Edwardsville to Chicago to raise money for Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors. Among those taking part were Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle, DeKalb County Sheriff Andy Sullivan and Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker, along with sheriffs and law enforcement leaders from across the state. The ride, which started in 2005, honors fallen law enforcement officers and helps provide support for the families they leave behind through memorial events, retreats and other services. Organizers said 111 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty nationwide in 2025, including two officers in Illinois. The ride continues through Sunday with communities across the state welcoming participants as they make their way to Chicago.