Members of the Blue Knights MS Chapter IX will hold an escorted ride to raise funds that will help them “Back the Badge.”

Chapter President David Ervin said the ride, entitled “Back the Badge,” will last about 2 hours and take participants down the back roads through Pearl River County and Hancock County. A stop will be incorporated halfway through the ride to allow participants to fuel their motorcycles and take a break.

The ride is set for March 30 and registration will take place at Jack Read Park on Goodyear Boulevard in Picayune starting at 8 a.m.

Kickstands will go up at 10 a.m. and when the riders return to the park at about noon, hamburgers, chips and drinks will be served.

Registration fees for the ride are $20 per motorcycle and $10 per extra rider.  Lunch is included in the registration fee.

Proceeds raised from this ride will be used to support local first responders in need. Ervin said the funds will be set aside until a need arises.

“This is what it’s all about, supporting first responders in the area,” Ervin said. “I feel like it’s a worthy thing to help them in their time of need.”

Ervin said the plan is to make this event an annual fundraiser.

Blue Knights Chapter IX is part of Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Inc., which is comprised of close to 20,000 active duty and retired law enforcement officers from across the globe.