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Hundreds Gather To Remember Fallen Officer

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - We hear the phrase, "Gone but not forgotten" quite a bit, but hundreds held true to that Saturday by joining together to ride in memory of Penn Hills Police Officer Michael Crawshaw.

In a formation of metal and leather and revving their engines, about 400 riders joined together to remember the man they lost three years ago.

A man they promised to never forget.

Officer Crawshaw was killed in December of 2009. Months after, friends, fellow officers and strangers got together for the annual ride to remember him.

The event is now in its third year and is growing in numbers.

"I don't know that Mike was ever on a motorcycle," Officer Crawshaw's mother, Linda Crawshaw, said.

She joked about her son, but said it's astounding to see the amount of love and support that exists for her son.

"I just think it's a wonderful tribute to Mike and the type of person that Mike was that this many people would come out each year and support him," Linda Crawshaw said.

Color Guards waited for their arrival. The family laid a wreath by his grave site surrounded by a sea of motorcycles.

They also rode by the Penn Hills Police Station, where Officer Crawshaw served, until his last day.

The 52-mile ride was organized by fellow officer and friend Kevin Nemec.

"It's tough. I'm glad to see the number of people here that still remember and want to come out to help and still support. But, it's tough, to lose a close friend like that," Nemec said.

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