Every year, cops in New Jersey start a three-day journey through the state and on to Washington D.C. in order to honor the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Called the "Unity Tour," the ride has become a symbol of respect and honor for law enforcement in general.

APTOPIX Police Shootings Dallas Funeral
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There are endless assaults on cops from perps on the street as cops just try to do their job.

More than 50,000 officers are assaulted every year.

Beyond the assaults, more than 14,000 officers are injured and nearly 200 are killed EVERY YEAR as they try to maintain law and order in our communities.

I will continue to do my part to shine a light on the real heroism and sacrifice of the men and women in Blue.

Recently, I met a group of officers, introduced by my friend Alex who is a cop in Hamilton, NJ. They are a part of the Hamilton Unity Tour team and they are ready to ride every Spring to honor the fallen.

Each year they spend around $2,000 out of pocket to fund their participation. I am committed to raising that money for them before next Spring so they can ride and not have to dip into their own hard-earned funds.

Spadea - Hamilton PD
Spadea - Hamilton PD
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I want to thank the Hamilton PD and their efforts to create a strong community policing environment and their daily efforts to keep the peace in the neighborhood and stand up for law enforcement families.

Police Unity Tour Team Hamilton

Officer J. Avanzato-Rider
Officer P. Piromalli Rider
Officer P. Guido- Team Support
Officer D Fiabine-Rider/Support

National Night Out
Officer S. Young - Community Policing
Officer B Ohare Community Policing
Officer C. DiMeo- PBA 66 President
Det. K Butera-Trains and organizes one of the best Police Bear Plunge to help Special Olympics
Hamilton Twp Police Honor Guard
Officer Dorney
Officer R. Fratz

Chief James Stevens
Capt. Klimaszewski
Capt. DeBosky
Lt. J Martin
Hamilton Twp Police Traffic Unit
Hamilton Twp Police Anti-crime unit
Hamilton Twp Police Swat
Hamilton Twp Fire Dept

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill's own. Bill Spadea is on the air weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m., talkin’ Jersey, taking your calls at 1-800-283-1015.

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.
If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

New Jersey's smallest towns by population

New Jersey's least populated municipalities, according to the 2020 Census. This list excludes Pine Valley, which would have been the third-smallest with 21 residents but voted to merge into Pine Hill at the start of 2022.

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