Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON – Police officers from around the world will gather at Reston Town Center Pavilion Friday night for a vigil honoring Brazil Civil Police Force Investigator Carlos Silva who died Thursday in a biking accident at the 2015 World Police and Fire Games.
“Certainly this is extremely emotional for everyone whose been involved in the games,” said Fairfax County Police spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell.
Thursday a participant in the games was riding downhill when there was a front tire blowout. This caused a chain collision with other bicyclists. Three riders were taken to the hospital where Silva died around 5 p.m. The other two bicyclists are in critical condition.
Thursday Acting Prince William County Police Chief, Major Steve Thompson said, “On behalf of the Prince William County Police Department, I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of the deceased athlete, Carlos Silva. Our thoughts and prayers are with the other injured athletes, fellow team mates, and the public safety family throughout the world”.
Caldwell said the brotherhood shared by police officers throughout American extends to those in the international community. When times are tough, they band together to support each other.
A memorial will be held for Silva Friday at 8 p.m. at the Reston Town Center Pavilion. Meanwhile, the games will continue as planned through the closing ceremony Sunday.
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