In 2001, members of the Woonsocket Police Department established the Copswalk program as a way to raise awareness and support families who had lost loved ones in the line of duty. The program began with a remarkable 450-mile walk from Woonsocket, Rhode Island, to Washington, D.C., a journey that typically took a week to complete. Along the way, participants stopped to rest and re-energize. The Copswalk program was met with overwhelming support and quickly gained traction, with more officers joining each year. Through their efforts, the program not only provided a meaningful tribute to fallen officers but also fostered a sense of community and solidarity among law enforcement agencies. The continued success and growth of the program have made it an annual tradition, further strengthening its impact and helping to honor the sacrifices made by those in the line of duty.
Today, the Copswalk program continues its tradition of honoring fallen officers, with 13 members of the Woonsocket Police Department assembling each year on May 9 to begin their annual journey to Washington, D.C. The event is now organized as a relay-style run, with three officers each running 4-mile segments. After each segment, they reach a staging area where three more officers take over. This rotation continues over four days, covering the distance until the team reaches the city limits of Washington, D.C. To ensure the safety and well-being of the participants, a fully marked police cruiser serves as a safety vehicle, while two support campers accompany the team to provide rest, food, and necessary assistance along the way.
2003 
In 2003 the event was called “CopsTour”. The officers Road Bikes 
2008
Upon completing the grueling journey, the officers arrive in Washington, D.C. just in time for National Police Week, a time dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. During their time in D.C., the officers participate in various events, but the highlight of the week is attending the Candlelight Vigil. This solemn event takes place at the National Mall, where thousands of officers from across the country and around the world gather to remember those who have fallen in the previous year. At the vigil, officers have the opportunity to share their stories and experiences with their peers, strengthening the bond of solidarity within the law enforcement community. This shared moment of remembrance is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by officers, and it serves as a fitting conclusion to the Copswalk program, as participants honor the fallen and reflect on the importance of their own roles in the profession.