“Dedicated to the thousands of Firefighters who have lost their lives in the very act of saving others.”
These profound words are etched into a wall of granite at America’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial (AFFM) in Ogden, UT. Running your fingers across the names of all the firefighters who have died in the line of duty is a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice they make to keep others safe.
Honoring this sacrifice is the yearly Fire Ride, a procession and memorial where thousands of motorcyclists, first responders, and community members come together in a show of support. Now in its 20th year, the Fire Ride takes place September 9, and is the largest gathering of motorcyclists in Utah. Started by retired volunteer firefighter Mike Leatham and firefighter Captain Rich King, the memorial is a way for both men to honor their fallen brothers and sisters and leave a legacy behind for generations to follow.
“We came up with the idea to create the Memorial after visiting one in Maryland that was viewed by invitation only,” Leatham said. “We wanted to build a memorial open and accessible to everyone that included fire personnel from all branches of service – from wildland, volunteers, even those who perished in the 1800’s. The Fire Ride supports our efforts to honor the fallen and inscribe their names on the memorial wall.”
This year, the Law Tigers are proud sponsors of the Fire Ride, along with South Valley Harley-Davidson® and SymbolArts. The event includes the Fire Ride/procession, a nearly five-mile escorted parade of motorcycles and police and rescue vehicles, as well as a memorial service, pancake breakfast and a luncheon. The order of events is:
8-10 a.m. | Pancake breakfast and procession staging
– South Valley Harley-Davidson | 8886 Sandy Parkway Blvd. | Sandy, UT
10 a.m. |KSU |Fire Ride/Procession to Ogden Amphitheater/AFFM Monument
– 343 E. 25th St. | Ogden, UT
Noon – 1 p.m. | Memorial Services
1:30 p.m. | Lunch
– Golden Spike Harley-Davidson | 5152 S. 1500 West | Riverdale, UT
The cost to register for the event is $25, which includes a commemorative pin, pancake breakfast and lunch. A Fire Ride t-shirt in men’s and women’s styles is available for $20, as is a zip-up hoodie for $30. All monies after costs go towards adding names to the memorial and staging the event.
Support the Memorial by Purchasing a Commemorative Brick
Looking for a way to contribute to the Memorial, but can’t attend the Fire Ride? Surrounding the monument are engraved bricks available for purchase. There are two sizes available – a 4×8 brick for $100 or an 8×8
brick for $300. Each brick can be engraved with a maximum of three lines, 20 characters per line (16 characters if letters are in all-caps). All proceeds from brick sales go directly to funding the memorial. The AFFM website also offers hats, pins, patches and other branded items for purchase.
Leatham said the impact of seeing the procession and physically touching the wall with the names of the fallen is a profound experience for all who either participate in the ride or visit the memorial.
“When you look out on a sea of thousands of motorcyclists, firefighters, police officers and their supporters, you become aware of how important this ride and memorial are,” Leatham said. “There will be fire and police units on the overpasses and bridges, lining the route, and participating in the ride. And the memorial service, where the names of the fallen are read and a final walk is performed, is a solemn reminder of the ultimate price our first responders pay for our safety. It is a profound and moving experience you will never forget.”
To register for the Fire Ride or support the Memorial, visit fallenfirefightermemorial.org. The website also lists in alpha order the names of the fallen inscribed on the monument.
Get the Compensation You Deserve and Get Back on the Road
The Law Tigers are committed to protecting riders in Utah. The FREE Law Tigers Rider Benefit Kit offers free advice on all motorcycle matters, free motorcycle repair or replacement assistance and the immediate benefit of a $10,000 Hit-and-Run Reward and $10,000 Bike Theft Reward, all contained in a convenient document holder. Sign up today for a Kit and begin enjoying these important benefits. Need a lawyer who understands the motorcycle community? Visit lawtigers.com or call 1-888-863-7216, 24/7 for a free case evaluation.
