The sea of motorcycles seemed endless as thousands of people, many of them bikers, paid tribute to a fallen officer.

Family, friends, civilians and fellow police officers came together to honor the memory of slain Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner.

Ceremonies were held at the Franklin Mills mall on Sunday at the conclusion of the third annual Daniel Faulkner Memorial Motorcycle Run, which began in Hamilton Township, N.J.

The route included Roosevelt Boulevard, which was recently named Daniel Faulkner Memorial Highway.

Faulkner's widow, Maureen, who attended the event along with other members of the slain officer's family, spoke to the large crowd.

Faulkner, who lives in California, thanked the audience for all of the support she has received over the years.

"If it wasn't for the support of the police and the everyday citizens . . . I would not be able to stand up and speak out like I have for so many years, so thank you," she said.

His wife remembered a knock on the door at about 4 a.m. on Dec. 9, 1981 "that changed my life forever," she said.

That's when she learned her husband had been shot at 13th and Locust streets in Center City.

Maureen Faulkner has been a highly visible crusader who has adamantly pushed for the execution of her husband's killer, Mumia Abu-Jamal, who sits on death row while a multitude of sympathizers demand that he receive a new trial.

Maureen Faulkner, her family and police groups across the country have waited nearly 20 years for what they would consider justice -- Abu-Jamal's execution.

His supporters contend that he deserves a new trial because of alleged discrepancies in the prosecution's case, including witnesses who have recanted their testimony.

Richard Costello, president of the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police, blasted celebrities for their support of Abu-Jamal and thanked the crowd for their unconditional support.

"A lot of times we felt we were truly alone against the intelligentsia, the Hollywood has-beens and all the other yahoos that think that the crime of murder is a statement of politics," Costello said. "But you today have shown us that we are not alone."

Michael Smerconish, an attorney and talk-show host with WPHT (1210-AM), served as master of ceremonies. Guest speakers included Police Commissioner John Timoney, Municipal Court Judge Seamus McCaffery and former prosecutor Joe McGill.

Several politicians also were on hand to show their support, including City Councilmen Rick Mariano (D-7th dist.) and Brian O'Neill (R-10th dist.), and state Sen. Mike Stack (D-5th dist.).

The motorcycle run, sponsored by Geno's Steaks at Ninth Street and Passyunk Avenue, was organized by B.A.C.-U.P. -- Bikers Allied to Commemorate Uniformed Police.

The Hamilton Township, N.J.-based non-profit group was founded three years ago to honor law-enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

The organization also raises money for non-profit organizations that support the surviving families of fallen officers.

Though original B.A.C.-U.P. members all shared a passion for motorcycling, membership also includes law-enforcement officials and non-motorcyclists.

Les Young, of Bordentown Township, N.J., started the organization because of his frustration over the lavish attention given to Abu-Jamal. Young wanted to put the attention back where it belonged -- on remembering Daniel Faulkner.

Young, a project manager for a commercial glass and glazing manufacturer, started the group to "honor our true heroes and help the families who are left behind."

"This is a family-oriented type thing," he said, noting that bikers' outlaw image is unfair. "Motorcyclists are very charitable-minded."

That giving attitude is evident by the large amount of money the organization has raised in a few short years.

Since its inception, B.A.C.-U.P. has donated $62,000 to charitable organizations that support the families of officers who died in the line of duty. Each biker pays a registration fee of $10 ($15 on the day of the run) to participate in the event. Each participant receives a commemorative patch and pin. Money is also raised through sponsors.

The first two motorcycle runs were held in pouring rain, which led group members to dub Young the "Rainman." The third time proved to be a charm, with overcast skies and mild temperatures.

Last year, 6,000 bikers participated in the event despite the poor weather conditions. An estimated 10,000 to 12,000 came out for this year's ride.

Ten charities, including the Justice for Police Officer Daniel Faulkner Fund, will receive this year's proceeds.

Bikers from all over the country came to show their support for our men and women in blue, including folks from Ohio, Florida and Massachusetts who rode in the hourlong tribute.

Young stressed that the event is much more than just a motorcycle run.

"We want to reach out to everyday people," he said. "This is to pay tribute to the officers and their families."

Tears welled up in the eyes of many as the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipe and Drum Band closed the solemn ceremony with Taps and the Philadelphia Honor and Rifle Guard performed a nine-gun salute.

To find out more about the Justice for Police Officer Daniel Faulkner Fund, log onto www.danielfaulkner.com