Well over 100 bikers gathered with their Hogs, Hondas, Kawasakis and the like at Windsor Middle School early Saturday morning to thank, show their appreciation to, and raise money for, State Trooper DeShaun Melton and the Virginia State Police.

Melton has been working in law enforcement in Isle of Wight County, first for the Sheriff’s Department, and then as a State Trooper, for the past seven years.

On Aug. 2, during National Night Out in Smithfield, Melton was taking down equipment from an exhibit when a flashbang grenade detonated in his right hand.

Upon arriving around 9:15 with most of the bikers already assembled, Melton’s surprise and emotions were apparent as family, friends and fellow officers greeted him. During the morning, Melton was hugging family, slapping friends’ backs, and shaking numerous hands, with that right hand.

&uot;He was doing something for the community that night (National Night Out),&uot; said Melton’s brother William, &uot;so it was time for Mass Production to step up.&uot;

Mass Production, a motorcycle club from Smithfield, organized and sponsored Saturday’s benefit ride.

The bikers, who were from all over the Virginia and North Carolina area, rode out of Windsor and through Franklin, Suffolk and Smithfield.

&uot;This is pretty exciting, and pretty shocking,&uot; said Melton, &uot;actually it was a big surprise.&uot;

Melton knew most of the people gathered there to show their support for him, but there were also folks riding who did not know him personally.

&uot;It’s pretty nice, all the boys pulled together and it’s really good to see,&uot; said Melton.

andrew.giermak@suffolknewsherald.com