Cpl. Michael Tarrio, a Jackson police officer, absolutely treasured his purple and gold motorcycle.

In October, Tarrio, who worked in Precinct 3, was headed west on U.S. 80 when there was a collision with a pickup truck. Tarrio was killed by the impact on his beloved bike, leaving the kind of gap no one can fill.

His brothers in blue and friends from all walks of life will gather Saturday at the Jackson Harley-Davidson for a poker run in Tarrio’s name. The proceeds will go to his family’s ongoing expenses.

Registration is at Harley-Davidson, after which they will proceed to Got Gear in Ridgeland, Shuckers in Ridgeland, Ratliff’s Ferry in Canton, and Angelo’s/Bayou Bugs in Gluckstadt.

The first bike out is at 11 a.m., and the last bike in is at 3 p.m., with festivities afterward. Check out the flier on this page for more.

Tarrio began his career with the Jackson Police Department October 31, 2010, as a member of the 47th Police Recruit Class. Tarrio followed in the footsteps of his father, Range Master Herman Tarrio.

Tarrio served in many capacities from Police Officer, Civil Disturbance Team member, Direct Action Response Team (D.A.R.T) member, and Police Corporal, to name a few.

Corporal Tarrio was honored as the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Association “Officer of The Year” in 2019. This honor was bestowed upon him for his courage under fire on May 9, 2018, when he survived an assault at the Valero Gas Station on Cooper Road in Jackson. Two brothers opened fire on him in the parking lot with high-powered weapons, and he returned fire. One of the men was killed, and the other ended up in prison. Tarrio, miraculously, was uninjured.