Mother Nature, the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, police departments from one end of Pennsylvania to the other, and members of the public recently collaborated to stage a massive fundraiser supporting Chester County Deputy Sheriff Jeff DiVito.

The 17-year deputy received a cancer diagnosis last month, prompting his colleagues to brainstorm ways to assist him. DiVito’s graduation last year from the Philadelphia Police Training Bureau’s motorcycle course ultimately inspired the creation of Jeff’s Battle Ride.

“Jeff has always been – and remains – a very valuable member of the Chester County Office of the Sheriff,” said Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh. “He’s beloved by all, he’s highly respected, and highly regarded.

“We are with him all the way in this brave battle. And I’ll tell you: Jeff will battle and Jeff will win.”

Participants paid $20 per bike to join the group, which enjoyed a scenic, circuitous journey from West Chester to Exton with assistance from the neighboring police departments. Many of the participants, such as officers from Philadelphia and Upper Darby, did some traveling before the event even began, but none more than three officers from the Pittsburgh Police Department.

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The Pittsburgh trio had driven to Chester County the night before. They said they had seen an online flyer about the event and wanted to help. The fact that they didn’t know DiVito didn’t matter.

In contrast, many of the 29 riders from the Oxford Police Department have known DiVito for some time, a relationship that motivated Oxford Field Training Officer Chris Coverly and Officer Adam Weaver, a former deputy sheriff, to organize a t-shirt initiative.

Coverly said they sold out their order of 80 shirts and ended up raising more than $2,000.

“The community really responded well,” he said.

Click here to view the GoFundMe page that will help defray some of Jeff DiVito’s medical expenses.

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