Henry Franklin Memorial Bike Ride honors fallen officer

A year after his passing, the city of Sikeston and Sikeston DPS held a memorial bike ride and SWAT Challenge in Henry Franklin's honor.

The event, held in Franklin’s memory, gave children an opportunity to experience an obstacle course, meet members of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety’s Special Operations Group (SOG) team, and learn more about the specialized equipment officers use in their work.

According to Tyler Rowe, public information officer, the event has been part of the department’s efforts to connect with the community for several years. Franklin, who served on the SOG team, participated in the event before his death, making it a fitting opportunity to honor his legacy.

“I would describe Officer Franklin as dedicated and loyal,” Rowe said. “He loved his job; he was proud of his service to the country, and most of all, the community of Sikeston.”

Franklin was more than a colleague to those who served alongside him. Rowe described him as a friend, brother, and mentor who took pride in his work as a canine handler and his service to others.

The challenge itself featured a variety of obstacles connecting them just a little of what SWAT officers go through to prepare. Children will also have the opportunity to see the team’s specialized equipment and SOG truck while interacting with officers and asking questions about their work.

For Rowe, involving young people is an especially meaningful part of the event. He recalled Franklin’s willingness to engage with children during previous challenges, encouraging them as they navigated the course and always answering their questions.

“I’d hope he’d be proud and smiling,” Rowe said of what Franklin might think about children participating in the event held in his honor.

The challenge is intended to do more than remember a fallen officer. It also provides an opportunity for children to build positive relationships with law enforcement officers outside of emergency calls or difficult situations.

“We have a duty and responsibility to serve and protect the community,” Rowe said. “If children are able to have a positive interaction with us, it can build trust, and hopefully in the future it can inspire them to help strengthen the community they live in.”

The Henry Franklin SWAT Challenge was paired with the Bike with the Blue Community Bike Ride, an event established last year through the efforts of a Leadership Sikeston class.

The group partnered with the Department of Public Safety to create a free community event that could continue for years to come. Following the success of the inaugural ride, combining it with the SWAT Challenge became a natural way to bring the two community-focused events together.

Parks and Recreation Director Eric Chappell was approached about combining the events and immediately began working on the planning process with the department, Rowe said.

He hopes events like these strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the people they serve by creating opportunities for residents to interact with officers in a positive environment.

“Creating these events and hosting these events allows the community to come and interact with us outside of a call or incident that may have occurred,” Rowe said. “It helps to create and hopefully sustain new relationships with members of our community.”

For those organizing the challenge, preserving Franklin’s memory is central to the event’s purpose. Rowe hopes the annual gathering will help future generations understand the impact Franklin had on his department and the community, even if they never had the opportunity to meet him.

Ultimately, Rowe hopes the event serves as a reminder of the dedication Franklin brought to his work and the relationships he built throughout his life.

“Henry never met a stranger, and he was always willing to help anyone no matter the circumstance,” Rowe said. “He dedicated his life to service of others.”

Through the future SWAT Challenges and community bike rides, Sikeston residents will have an opportunity to honor that commitment while helping build connections between the next generation and the officers who continue to serve their community.