'Tour of Duty' Charity Bike Ride Stops in Beverly Hills Sunday

The is welcoming American and Australian military, police and firefighting personnel to its headquarters Sunday for a dinner celebrating the cross-country Tour of Duty bicycle ride.

The Tour of Duty is a 29-day, 2,600-mile ride that honors first responders in both nations. It starts at the USS Midway in San Diego on Aug. 12 and will finish Sept. 10 in New York City at the USS Intrepid. Twenty-four riders will arrive at Beverly Hills' fire department headquarters at 445 N. Rexford Drive around 4 p.m. Sunday after completing the first leg of their journey. They will share a private dinner with Beverly Hills firefighters and civic leaders.

"We are honored to host the Tour of Duty riders as we have done in past years," BHFD Fire Chief Tim Scranton said in a statement. "Every man and woman who answers the call to serve their country in the military or as a first responder is part of a family. We honor each other's sacrifices and support each other's efforts. The Tour of Duty project is a fantastic way to reflect on and call attention to the commitment of our brothers and sisters."

The Tour of Duty project originated in Australia. It will raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project and the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund.

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