2nd Annual FOP 165 Benefit Ride
Saturday, June 24th
9:00AM - 8:00 PM
Location: Harley Davidson
1151 W. Morthland Dr. Valparaiso, IN 46385
Four stops starting at Valparaiso Harley Davidson.
9AM Register
10AM Stands Up
4PM Party after event, Valparaiso American Legion #94
Live bands and food
The ride is coming up fast! FOP 165 has pre-sale tickets. This year is set to be better than last year with more raffles, 50/50 prior to the ride as well as at the after party, food available at Woodshed Tap for purchase, food at the after party with live bands playing! Each stop will have a stamp for your card to enter the grand prize drawing at the after party.
All proceeds raised will be donated again to our brother in need, Chris Vanderpool who is still fighting the good fight as well as Uniquely Nico who does tremendous work in our community for those with special needs.
Officer Vanderpool was as tough as they come, yet remarkably compassionate towards others. He was strong and gentle - loving and faithful. He was loyal and a Man of his Word. These traits combine to make him not only a great Officer, but incomparable.
In a profession where some walk away when the going gets tough, Chris was fighting with all that was within him to get back to us. To happily put on our brown uniform to Serve and Protect. To keep watch while others rest. He loved being a Porter County Sheriff’s Officer. It was never about the power, but always about helping others. He had a true servant’s heart.
Chris is irreplaceable.
His boots can never be filled, and his void is felt by our whole Department. No other Officer will ever be given the Unit Number 143 and no Sheriff’s vehicle will ever bear his number again.
The Porter County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the impact of such an amazing Officer who left this world far too soon.
Below are a few excerpts from his obituary:
“Christopher “Chris” Vanderpool was called home Saturday, June 3, 2023 while surrounded by an immeasurable amount of family and friends in the comfort of his home in Portage, IN. For the last year and a half Chris never stopped fighting in his back and forth battle with an aggressive form of Acute Myloid Leukemia with this wife constantly by his side. Chris was born on May 30th, 1979 in Adrian, MI to his parents Mark & Susan.
Chris completed his Bachelor Degree in Manufacturing/CAD & design Engineering at Tri-State University (Trine University) where he became a brother of Delta Chi. Chris started his journey towards his law enforcement career in 2010 by volunteering as an Adrian Police Department Officer, where his colleagues and friends shined a light on his true calling.
On January 8th 2018, Chris started living his dream and his passion while becoming a full-time police officer with the Porter County Sheriff’s Office where he found his second family and fulfilled that calling. During which time he also served on multiple specialties and even became part of the US Marshals Great Lakes Task Force as a Task Force Officer. This combined service along with the encouragement of his loved ones allowed for the happiest years of his life.
After 6 unforgettable years Chris finally married the love of his life Michelle Vanderpool on May 7th, 2022. This unity combined 2 devoted families into one who he is survived by. Chris would’ve also loved to be known as a Detroit Tigers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Detroit Lions fan, along with being an avid hunter and conservationist. One of Chris greatest joys was riding nothing other than his pride and joy, his Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited Motorcycle.
Ultimately, Chris’s #1 love was spending time and making memories with the ones he loved so very much. Chris will forever be remembered as a good and faithful servant. May he now rest in Heaven.”