Ride For Deputy Eric Batchelor

By: Pam Irvin

By: Pam Irvin Deputy Eric Batchelor works as a patrol deputy with the Haywood County Sheriff's Department. He began working in law enforcement after retiring from the Army after 20 years of service. He was working patrol in Haywood County the early morning hours of July 28th, 2020. He was shot in the line of duty when responding to a call that morning. Thankfully, he survived the incident. He has gone through several surgeries, physical therapy and doctor visits and has been out of work for several months, but hopefully will be returning to work soon. The Independent Brotherhood hosted a "Ride for Eric" on Sunday November 1, 2020. It was a gorgeous, brisk, cool fall morning. The ride started at Pisgah High School in Canton, NC. When riders registered, they were given a meal ticket and had chances to buy raffle tickets and 50/50 tickets. Deputy Batchelor attended the event and spoke to the group expressing his gratitude. The Independent Brotherhood presented Deputy Batchelor with gifts for him and his family. The ride kicked off at roughly 1 pm. Over 60 bikes paraded through the back roads of Haywood County, through Waynesville, Hazelwood and back to Canton. The ride ended at the Canton Rec Park. Food was provided to the participants by Fat Belly’s Food Truck. If you ever see Fat Belly’s set up, do yourself a favor and try the food, it is all amazing. Over $5500 was raised that day. One of the hot raffle items was a Remington 308. Several business donated items for door prizes and raffle items as well. Riders walked away with some pretty cool gifts. Several clubs were in attendance to support Deputy Batchelor. Some of the ones represented were the host, Independent Brotherhood, The Blue Knights, Blue Iron, The Blazing Skeleton, Brothers in the Wind, The Chrome Angelz, and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. It was truly an amazing sight to see all of these folks coming together to show their support for one of our law enforcement officers. It just goes to show the biker community is one big family that is always willing to support one another. A video was taken by Deputy Sean Aaron with the Haywood County Sheriff's Office. He is also a member of the Independent Brotherhood. Sean commented, “This event went very well, Thank you to all who attended and supported Deputy Eric Batchelor; Blue Knights, Chrome Angelz, Blue Iron, Blazing Skeleton, Brothers in the Wind, and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, and all other individual riders.”