From The Beginning
The “Tour de Force” was started in 2002 after NYPD Det. Robert De Paolis (ret) decided to ride his bike to honor the fallen police officers that gave their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks. He was then joined by 7 other members of the NYPD and one member of the Bronx District Attorney's Office and along with four volunteer support personnel, they cycled their way from the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, to Ground Zero, NYC. In 2003, the Tour de Force was incorporated in the state of New York as a nonprofit charity and later gained 501(c)3 status from the IRS.

History of the Tour
The Tour de Force has evolved into a four-day, 280 mile ride, in which 300 law enforcement officers from across the U.S. and abroad, along with some family and friends, participate to raise funds for the families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Each participant, support team member and staff, raise funds and put in a lot of work throughout the year to make this event a huge success.

Plattsburgh Tour De Force
Plattsburgh TDF began in 2015 with Thomas Brown offering road races and bike rides to raise money for the national charity as well as for our local law enforcement members who have died in the line of duty. Each year honorees are chosen to be remembered and honored during the race. The event has become a huge success throughout the eleven years with many more to come!

Left:
Retired First Sergeant Michael E. Snell joined the New York State Police in 1999. He proudly served with the State Police for 23 years. Mike was a true leader who was very well-loved and respected during his tenure with the State Police as he moved through the ranks from Trooper to Sergeant, Station Commander, Zone Sergeant and then retiring as First Sergeant, Troop B, SP Ray Brook. On May 20, 2025, at the age of 56, Mike passed away after a courageous battle with an illness stemming from his assignment at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. He is survived by his wife, Tammy Snell, and their four children: Wyatt, Ashton, Harrison, and Lawson.

Middle:
United States Border Patrol Agent Chris Maland was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 near Newport, Vermont, near the Canadian Border on January 20, 2025. Agent Maland was a United States Air Force veteran and had served with the United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol for over nine years. He was assigned to the Swanton Sector. He is survived by his mother, father, brother, and girlfriend.

Right:
Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene became a member of the New York State Police on October 19, 1981. He entered into a service retirement from the New York State Police after 20 years of service on July 17, 2002. In response to the events of 9/11, Zone Sergeant Greene was assigned to aid with the search and recovery efforts in New York City, as part of the New York State Police Detail. On October 24, 2025, he died as a result of cancer of the Cardia stemming from his assignment to the World Trade Center site, following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Zone Sergeant Greene is survived by his wife, and their two sons.

NYSP Cpt Chris Garrow EOW  06/12/2023    NYSP Tpr Robert Burney EOW 12/09/2023