A special motorcycle ride held in Midland Beach, Staten Island on Sunday honored the memory of a New York City Police Department detective who was killed in the line of duty.

About 600 bikers took part in the third-annual Russell Timoshenko Memorial Motorcycle Run, to honor the 23-year-old police officer who was shot and killed in July 2007 during a routine traffic stop in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

The run was organized by Timoshenko's close friends and members of the Fraternal Order of Police lodge that was named in his honor.

Leading the bikers was a truck carrying Timoshenko's motorcycle.

The route ran through the borough, past sites important to Timoshenko's life, including his childhood home on Durant Avenue; Tottenville High School, where he played lacrosse; and Moravian Cemetery, where he is buried.

The ride ended in Parking Lot #5 in Midland Beach, where participants enjoyed food, music, raffles and children's games.

All proceeds from the event went to the Tottenville High School lacrosse team and the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C.

The street where Timoshenko grew up was renamed for the late police officer, and he was also posthumously promoted to detective, yet friends and family said this tribute was extra special because it involved his favorite activity.

"When we were younger the kids down the block had motorcycles and we were like when we are older we are going to get one. So the moment me and him turned 18, we went on eBay and CraigsList and we found our motorcycles, 'cause at the time we didn't have money to afford new bikes," said Nicholas Gentile, Timoshenko's friend and a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. "We went and we bought them in the same truck on the same day."

"We're lucky that so many friends help us to survive today, and because he's not with us, this event shows people don't forget about him," said Tatyana Timoshenko, Russell's mother. "For us, it's a much, much better feeling that my son's memory is still alive."

"That's what today's about, remembering that good officers give their lives for our safety," said Congressman Michael Grimm. "We need to remember that, and also, for every officer out there right now and those that will come in the future, we always have to keep them in our prayers and remember their sacrifices. It's a difficult job that they have."

Timoshenko's partner, Officer Herman Yan, was injured in the 2007 shooting.

Lee Woods and Dexter Bostic are serving life sentences for Timoshenko's murder, while a third suspect, Robert Ellis, was acquitted of murder and is serving a 15-year sentence for weapons possession.