Sgt. Chris Reyka Memorial Ride held on 10th anniversary of sergeant's death

Sgt. Chris Reyka killed in line of duty

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Family, friends and co-workers gathered Thursday to honor the life of Broward Sheriff's Office Sgt. Chris Reyka, who was killed in the line of duty 10 years ago.

The Sgt. Chris Reyka Memorial Ride was sponsored by the 9463 Foundation for Florida's Fallen Officers.

The event kicked off at 4:30 p.m. in the parking lot of a Walgreens at 960 S. Powerline Road in Pompano Beach, where Reyka was gunned down Aug. 10, 2007.

Authorities said Reyka was shot five times after spotting a white vehicle that had been reported stolen. 

Since his death, there have been dozens of traffic stops for vehicles matching the description of the car the shooter got away in, but no arrests have been made. 

Reyka's son, who followed in his father's footsteps with a career in law enforcement, said he was proud to see all of the people who showed up in honor of his dad.

"It makes me proud," Sean Reyka said. "I think it speaks as to who he was, I think it speaks as to who the department is. I don't think every department in the world right now can say that they get the support from the community. I think that it shows that we have a strong bond with our community, and that there's a degree of trust in there that we aren't seeing everywhere in the nation right now."

Authorities said there will be a rifle and handgun presentation for the 2017 State Ride winners during the program, along with other awards and recognition.

At about 6:30 p.m. participants will leave Walgreens and ride to the South Florida National Cemetery at 6501 S. State Road 7 in Lake Worth for a sunset service, authorities said in a news release.

Those attending the event will then be served dinner in Boynton Beach.

Authorities said drivers can expect some delays during the memorial ride.

The ride will leave Walgreens, heading north on Powerline Road to Atlantic Boulevard, west to Northwest 31st Avenue, north to the Turnpike, continuing north to Boynton Beach, west to U.S. 441, then north on U.S. 441 to the cemetery.

The investigation into Reyka's death remains open. 


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.