Former Pinole Acting Police Chief Matt Avery is spending his retirement on two wheels for a deeply personal cause.
Following a nearly 28-year career with the Pinole Police Department that concluded in December 2024, Avery is now training for the 2026 Police Unity Tour. This four-day, 300-mile trek from New Jersey to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to raising public awareness and ensuring the sacrifices of fallen law enforcement officers are never forgotten.
For Avery, the journey is about the memories of those he served alongside. During his tenure, he attended many funerals for fallen officers, including a colleague from the Bay Area Chapter of the Police Officers Research Association of California and a lifelong family friend. On this ride, he will specifically honor the memories of Constable Arthur McDonald (EOW 9/26/1929), Officer John Sellers (EOW 7/24/1972), and Officer Floyd “Bernie” Swartz (EOW 5/3/1980), all of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving the Pinole community.
Every participant in the tour raises funds to support the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and cover ride-related expenses. Avery has set a fundraising goal of $2,350 to support the mission of “honoring the fallen and supporting the survivors.”
Community members who wish to support Avery on his 300-mile journey can donate through his official fundraising link: https://tinyurl.com/4s49ffvc.