A group of black leather-clad bikers surrounded a sole police officer in Defiance, Ohio, without being in defiance of social distance protocols.

Roughly 80-plus bikers were observed by a passerby, Kim Mayes Alyanakian, who graciously granted LifeZette permission to share her happenstance as well as the picture she recorded of such an impromptu event with faith-based connotations.

Ms. Alyanakian explains how she came upon this heartwarming scenario: “Had to come to Defiance [in Ohio] for bills and errands. I got a little curious when I saw this officer being surrounded by a bunch of ‘bikers.’ (I stopped counting bikes in the mall parking lot [after I chronicled] 83.)” Eight-three-plus bikers (or anyone) enveloping any cop is likely cause for concern. Our species is understandably a curious one. Although most bikers are enthusiasts focused on recreational endeavors involving traversing open road, some antiquated infamy stemming from the likes of the Hell’s Angels presented a stigma which some may still harbor.

In my police career, I’ve had few encounters with bikers who give motorcyclist that bad rap. A traffic stop I once conducted was replete with contempt for cop. The Outlaws member-biker hid nothing of his disdain for law and order (in this case, me). And even though I issued a warning regarding his minor traffic infraction (equipment failure), he showed neither change in his acerbic demeanor; he just recoiled his kickstand and carved out a dinful acceleration into traffic flow.

Frankly, in my days of policing, most bikers are pretty squared away in terms of equipment requirements and motorcycle operation. Yet the hint of the few bad apples among bikers is justifiably outweighed by the majority who are merely out enjoying open air and freedom, saddled with respect for road trips and enjoyable experiences.

Ms. Alyanakian continues: “When I saw them all extend their arms about six feet and drop their heads, I couldn’t resist [taking] the picture from across the street. It felt a little invasive, but I wanted to capture a moment that holds a lot of irony for my inner child—’bikers’ circling up to pray around a law enforcement officer. Not an image a young Kim could have ever imagined, given the stereotypes I grew up with. But from my experience over the last decade, there isn’t a more powerful prayer than one that already has ‘wings.’”

In that context, Alyanakian signed her message with #bikerblessed and #leatherlove and the all-endearing #jesusspreadhisarmstoo.

Friends of mine, all retired cops, spend inordinate amounts of time riding the highways and byways while also bringing a Godly message to whomever they meet or solicits envelopment such as the sort Ms. Alyanakian happened upon. What former police colleague Tom D’Aiuto calls “wind therapy,” the motorcycle club consisting of retired law enforcement officers and their significant others is known as The Defenders. The name is implicit: These bikers not only come together to sustain each other but also to contribute whatever, whenever, for whomever…like cops ordinarily do.

The Defenders have their hands (and wallets) in things such as Toys for Tots and the like. It is certainly commonplace for The Defenders to celebrate each other as well as to memorialize our nation’s fallen law enforcement heroes during National Police Week or any other time.

Whether prior law enforcement or simply good-natured bikers supporting cops trying to feverishly win the beat battles, black-leather clad roadsters lift them up in prayer. Relative to the instance experienced by Ms. Alyanakian, we partake in a large group of fast-charging bikers and a solitary cop praying together, for one another, and on behalf of countless others…lending added meaning to Godspeed.

With all the ordinary demands thrust upon our country’s cops, recently exacerbated by the extraordinary expectations (some unconstitutional) stemming from the global and silent, cloaked COVID killer, we entrust their capable character and hands to see it through. With a little help from friends and Him, we shall come out on top.

Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they will be called children of God. -Matthew 5:9

This piece was written by Stephen Owsinski on May 25, 2020. It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.

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