Members of the Blue Knights Chapter IX will host a benefit ride on March 10 to raise funds to help purchase emergency radio equipment for officers of the Poplarville Police Department.

Blue Knights IX President David Ervin said the equipment will help officers better communicate with other local agencies, such as the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department and Picayune Police Department, in the event they are involved in a joint operation or emergency situation. 

According to previous coverage, the ride will start at Jack Read Park on Goodyear Boulevard and pass through Bogalusa and Angie before ending at the Pearl River County Emergency Operation Center at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 26 in Poplarville.

Poplarville Police Chief Butch Raby said depending on the proceeds, the department would also invest in electronic control devices in addition to the radios.

Ervin said registration starts at 8 a.m. and will cost $20 per rider and $10 per passenger.

Kickstands are scheduled to go up at 10 a.m.

A number of activities and an auction have been set up for the end of the ride at the Pearl River County Emergency Operation Center.

Erwin said he hopes to see a large turnout from the community to show their support for the Poplarville Police Department.

“We jumped at the chance to help the community,” Ervin said. “We get to enjoy riding bikes while helping someone, so it’s a win-win situation for us.”