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Motorcyclists' ride for Ron to honor officer's memory, raise funds for MADD

Photo from Tom Bobrowski

Dozens of bikers participated in the first Run for Ron in 2007 organized by USF Police sergeant Tom Bobrowski. This year’s fundraiser, to benefit the Hillsborough County chapter of MADD, is set for Oct. 31.

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By LAURA FRAZIER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 16, 2009

Updated: 10/16/2009 03:29 pm

BRANDON - Motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life will lift their kickstands Oct. 31 in memory of a fallen Hillsborough County sheriff's officer known to many as the face of DUI checkpoints in Hillsborough County.

Sgt. Ron Harrison was fatally shot just before 1 a.m. on Aug. 15, 2007 while driving through the intersection of Lumsden Road and Kings Avenue.

Authorities said 24-year-old Michael Allen Phillips shot Harrison while the officer sat at a stoplight in his unmarked car. Phillips, who had an extensive arrest record including obstruction, reckless driving and multiple arrests for battery, died later that day in a standoff with police.

Tom Bobrowski, a sergeant with the University of South Florida Police Department, organizes Run For Ron, an annual event to honor Harrison's memory and raise money for the Hillsborough County Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

He said he'll never forget Harrison or the day he was killed.

Bobrowski, who was off duty Aug. 15, met Harrison near an extensive Operation 3D DUI checkpoint and training exercise set up on State Road 60. The two talked about plans to host a DUI checkpoint class at a new sheriff's office training facility.

They spoke briefly, then parted ways. By the time Bobrowski drove "just a few miles" home, the call came. Harrison was gone.

"Ron would do anything for anybody, at a moment's notice," he said. "He took me under his wings and showed me the ropes. I owe him."

The run kicks off at 1 p.m. Oct. 31 in parking lot No. 22 at the University of South Florida Sun Dome. The group will make a pit stop at Harley-Davidson/Buell of Brandon, 9841 Adamo Drive, Tampa.

The final stop is at O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant, 701 Lumsden Road, Brandon -- at the southwest corner of the intersection where Harrison was shot.

There is no fee to participate, but riders are asked to register in advance. For information or to make a donation, call Bobrowski at (813) 758-8763, or e-mail tbobrow@admin.usf.edu, or go to www.usfpd.usf.edu.

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 627-4767 or razier@tampatrib.com.

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