Baker County Fire Department celebrates 5th annual "Ride With Fire"

Baker County Fire Department celebrates  5th annual "Ride With Fire"

By DAVID THEUS

As motorcycle enthusiasts began to arrive at the gazebo registration station located in Glen St. Mary’s Celebration Park, it quickly became apparent, this was going to be one big ride. The

Ride With Fire participants cruise through Sanderson.

fundraiser event is the brainchild of volunteer Safety Officer and Fireman John and his wife volunteer Fireman Sue End. John and Sue, motorcycle enthusiasts themselves, quickly included longtime friend Dale Leggett to help gather interest for this concept.

John said today "how thankful he is to all the participants each year, loyal and new sponsors, and of course the riders - without their support, we couldn’t do what we do as Fire Fighters." John and his wife Sue were Co-Lead Bikes in today’s ride. They shared the ride together on his Harley Davidson Ultra Classic.

I spoke briefly with co-founder Dale Leggett to ask his thoughts about this their fifth and very successful event that directly impacts the capabilities of Baker County’s Volunteer Fire Department. Dale was quick to express is gratitude to all the great community support from local businesses, even with it being a tough year.

Registration continues early Saturday morning.

Baker County Fire Chief Dolan explained this year’s profits are earmarked for fitting the new "air-truck" coming online this year. This apparatus will be on call to aid in extrication of person and or property. This apparatus also supports the use of highly sophisticated equipment that relies on the availability of pressured air for pneumatic driven heavy equipment, such as the "jaws of life" and filling firemen’s air supplies after entering and exiting a fire.

Many of this year’s participants were first time supporters from all surrounding areas. Cindy Davis, an employee of the City of Jacksonville’s Fire Department expressed that she was here to help support firemen and enjoy her renewed love for riding. Cindy said that "as soon as the kids were grown, I sold the house, bought a condo, and my very own ‘07 Harley Davidson Soft Tail Deluxe."

Ella MacKenzie and neighbor Rob Snow

Ella MacKenzie and her next door neighbor, Rob Snow from Jacksonville, were also first time event participants. Ella rode her 750 Honda and Rob on his C50 Suzuki.

Another first time participant, John Grimm, of Macclenny, was on his ‘04 Heritage Classic and expressed his excitement to participate and offered a shout out to any other enthusiasts interested in the start up of a local chapter of Christian Motorcyclists Association here in Macclenny. If interested, email John at: jdgrimm@comcast.net