Who's Sam Jeffers?
Sam Jeffers was a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer from Freshwater, Conception Bay, which neighbours Carbonear. On Sep. 18, 1957, at age 26, he was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident at Rawlin’s Cross while on duty. Helmets were not worn at that time and Jeffers never recovered from his head injuries. He spent the next 43 years at the Waterford Hospital, where he died on Sept. 4, 2000.
How are they honouring him?
For the past 15 years, according to a release, the Newfound Riders motorcycle group has led a September ride that typically attracts 60 to 70 riders. This year it’s being held Sept. 21. The money raised helps maintain the Peace and Police Officers' Monument at the Confederation Building as wells as a bronze plaque commemorating Jeffers. The Newfound Riders commissioned and presented that to the Town of Carbonear in 2013. The plaque is located outside the Conception Bay Regional Community Centre in Carbonear. The cost to ride is $10.
What’s the route?
It starts at the Confederation Building in St. John’s at 10 a.m. and heads to Monty’s in Whitbourne. From there, the ride crosses the New Harbour Barrens to Carbonear. After a short welcome from the mayor, and a lunch provided by the town, the procession goes through Freshwater and past Jeffers’ former home. It’s then onto Tim Horton’s in Bay Roberts, before breaking up and returning to the capital city via Route 60. The ride goes rain or shine.
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