Crime & Safety

Peddling for the Kids

Lakewood Police Officer Michelle Hector-Garcia raises $1,200 in Courage Classic bicycle ride.

The 20th annual Alaska Airlines Courage Classic took place earlier this month. Michelle Garcia-Hector, Lakewood Police detective, completed the three-day, 173-mile journey through Snoqualmie, Blewett and Stevens Pass for the third consecutive year.

She raised $1,200 for Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and the statewide Children's Trust fun for child abuse and neglect in communities like Lakewood. The ride aims to raise $1 million.

Patch caught up with Garcia-Hector for a little Q&A session.

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Patch: How was the Courage Classic this year?

Hector-Garcia: The first two days we finished in decent time. The last day, it was a long incline. Your muscles are tired from the first two days of climbing.

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Patch: What made you want to do it? 

Hector-Garcia: Somebody told me about it. First it was a challenge. Now it's to raise money for the kids. All money raised goes to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital where they help children who have been physically or sexually abused.

Patch: Did you consider it race?

Hector-Garcia: There’s no time taken. I’ve never participated in a bike race. Its more of just a ride. You’re peddling for the kids. We just tried to finish in decent time to get to the pool.

Patch: What was it like after you finished?

Hector-Garcia: The first two days weren’t too bad. My legs were sore but not too bad.

Patch: What does being in good physical shape do for you as a police officer?

Hector-Garcia: We just had this speaker come out who talks a lot about officer-involved shootings. Basically, from his speech, I train now like it’s a fight for life. I train to give it my all.


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