Summer is an extremely busy time for everyone, but an important event will be held on Saturday — a benefit for the family of the late Sgt. Gary D. Falls.

Sgt. Falls devoted his life to public service. He served our country for four years in Vietnam. After the war, he served his community by spending 37 years in law enforcement, including more than 11 years in Franklin.

He was looking forward to his well-deserved retirement on July 1, but instead he passed away on June 18 after complications from heart bypass surgery.

Sgt. Falls’ colleagues at the Franklin Police Department have organized a motorcycle ride and a barbecue to help his family with his medical bills. Both events will be held at the city’s police station on Pretlow Street.

Registration for the ride, which costs $15 for the rider and $10 for a passenger, begins at 9 a.m. and continues until 11 a.m. The ride itself kicks off at 11:15 a.m.

The motorcycle ride will traverse some 55 miles of territory that Sgt. Falls once served and was proud to call home.

In addition to the ride, tasty barbecue will also be served to everyone at $7 a plate.

It’s a small price to pay for an opportunity to say thanks to the family of Sgt. Falls, a man who was devoted to his country and his community.