Police Unity Tour 2023

Riding for DEA GS Michael Garbo is Todd Roth

Motto “We ride for those who died”

Vida and Alexis Garbo would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Todd Roth and the Team East Rutherford Officers who participated in the 2023 Police Unity Tour, riding in honor of DEA Special Agent Michael Garbo and ERPD Deputy Chief Phil Taormina. Team East Rutherford - Chapter 10 Monmouth County, NJ was comprised of Lieutenant Mark Mehegan, Sergeant Jason Smith, Officer Cliff Shemely, and Detective Sergeant DEA TFO Todd Roth.

On May 9, 2023, members of the East Rutherford Police Department embarked on a 300-mile bike ride from New Jersey to Washington, DC, in support of the Police Unity Tour. Todd, alongside other dedicated officers, commenced their journey from Belmar, NJ, and over the course of four days, they arrived at their destination in Washington, DC. This year, members of ERPD rode in honor of fallen DEA Special Agent Michael Garbo, preserving his memory, as well as paying tribute to other officers who lost their lives in the line of duty this year. Michael was tragically killed by drug traffickers while conducting a narcotics investigation in Tucson, AZ.

The journey was arduous and demanding, but the participants of the Police Unity Tour had prepared themselves mentally and physically throughout the year. Through fundraising efforts and rigorous training, they recognized that their endeavors raised awareness about the tremendous sacrifices made by countless law enforcement officers.

The final stretch of their tour concluded at the Memorial, where the participants were warmly welcomed by friends, family, and survivors. At this poignant moment, many members of the Police Unity Tour presented remembrance bracelets, worn on their wrists throughout the journey, to the families of the fallen officers.

Todd Roth, who rode in honor of Michael, took the opportunity to share a little about himself and what motivated him to participate in the Police Unity Tour in Michael's memory. Todd revealed that he has been serving as a police officer with the East Rutherford, NJ Police Department since July 2001. About four years later, he was promoted to Detective, and in July 2009, he was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Jersey Division as a Task Force Officer, where he continues to serve.

Upon hearing of Michael's untimely death, the news struck a chord with Todd and many others at the DEA. Being part of a small, tight-knit agency, the news spread rapidly, and although Todd didn't personally know Michael, it deeply affected him. In June 2022, Todd had the privilege of attending an International Narcotics Interdiction Association conference in Nashville, TN, where he had the opportunity to meet Michael's former partner, Sam Johnson.

Sam's heartfelt speech about Michael left a lasting impact on Todd. At the conclusion of the event, Todd patiently waited for Sam at the back of the room, eager to introduce himself and share his experience with the Police Unity Tour. He wanted Sam to know that it would be an absolute honor and privilege for him to undertake the 300-mile journey from New Jersey to Washington, DC, in order to keep Michael's honor and memory alive.

After their conversation, Todd reached out to Mrs. Vida Garbo and Ms. Alexis Garbo. He conveyed his deep sense of honor to be able to participate in the ride in Michael's memory and pay his respects to Michael, Vida, and Alexis. He expressed enduring gratitude for the opportunity to ride for Michael, his fellow DEA brother. Furthermore, Todd stated that this was his second ride and affirmed his commitment to continue participating in the Police Unity Tour for many years to come.