Riding for a cause Motorcycle ride now called the Etter-Markins Memorial Ride Monique Balas News-Chronicle The Special Olympics has always had a special relationship with police officers. "Law enforcement supports the Special Olympics year round in a variety of ways, both financially and with their time," said Terri Refsguard, area director for Special Olympics. That's why the organization will honor that relationship by naming its annual Torch Run motorcycle ride the Etter-Markins Memorial Ride after Stephanie Markins and Robert Etter Jr., the two Hobart/Lawrence police officers killed when Tyson Kreuscher rammed his pickup truck into their squad car on July 22, 2002. Last year's motorcycle ride took place the same week the tragic accident took place. "It was a sad day for law enforcement in our area, and it was a sad day for Special Olympics as well," Refsguard said. "It's an honor for us to pay tribute to them with this ride. Though we did not know those two officers personally, the law enforcement officers who continue to support us did know them. This was a way that we could all come together to honor those two officers and raise money for Special Olympics." Refsguard was honored when Etter's widow presented her with a donation to Special Olympics on Tuesday morning at the accident memorial site. "I thought, 'Wow,' that's so awesome," she said. FYI: The Etter-Markins Memorial Ride to benefit Special Olympics will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Bayland Shell Station off State 57 on Algoma Road. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The ride will end at Oak Ridge Bar & Grill, 4901 Sturgeon Bay Road, Dyckesville. Anyone who wants to participate should call the office at 497-2422. Contribution is $25 and includes a commemorative T-shirt and meal; first 200 riders are guaranteed a steak dinner.