Robert “Bobby” Shisler’s police vehicle – seen here on the day of his death last May – will be driven by his family during the Shisler Legacy Ride.
The Rolling Badges Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and 4 Heroes Charity Inc. will host the inaugural Shisler Legacy Ride on Saturday, May 4, a fundraiser that will pay tribute to fallen Deptford police officer Robert “Bobby” Shisler.
Shisler was wounded in the line of duty last March while attempting to apprehend a suspect. He died from his wounds two months later, on May 7.
“We’re a motorcycle group based out of Westville,” said motorcycle club president Les Whinna. “Shisler’s uncle is a member with us. We sat down with (Shisler’s) parents and got their blessings. We developed all of the plans and hope to make it a yearly event.”
The event will span the entire day for motorcycle and Jeep drivers, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Deptford High School. From there, riders will go on a poker run, where they will be assigned by game cards to a particular locations.
All partipants will meet up at RiverWinds Community Center in West Deptford at 1 p.m., where poker run winners will be announced. Participants will then head to Harbaugh Village in Mullica Hill at 2:30 for the main event. Harbaugh Village is hosting the free event for the Rolling Badges, according to Whinna.
During the drive from RiverWinds to Harbaugh Village, Shisler’s parents, sister Ashley and brother Tyler – also a Deptford police officer – will ride to the village in Shisler’s police vehicle.
“Bobby Shisler was an all-American boy,” Ashley noted. “Born and raised in Deptford, New Jersey, he was a force to be reckoned with from day one. His presence left an everlasting impact on everyone who met him. A man’s man that was truly the last of a dying breed.
“Those who knew him will forever miss his beautiful smile and contagious laugh.”
The memorial ride will feature a variety of events, including a live performance by the band Peabody’s Wayback Machine, vendors, food, auction baskets, a 50/50 raffle and a police K-9 demonstration from the West Deptford Police Department.
Proceeds will benefit the Gloucester County Police Academy, where Shisler got his training, and the county’s Police Memorial Association (GCPMA) will present a plaque to the Shisler family.
Potential corporate sponsors can reach out to Whinna at (856) 345-9477 or go to the event’s Facebook page on the 4 Heroes Charity website, where more information on the ride can also be found.
“The family is done with the sadness,” Whinna noted of Shisler’s family. “This event is going to be a celebration of his life.”
