2008 Brotherhood Ride Raises Funds for Families of Charleston 9 Firefighters

Naples, FL Firefighter Jeff Morse leads 18 other riders from the North Naples firestation to Charleston, SC during the 2008 Brotherhood Ride\'s \"9 Days for 9 Heroes\" fundraiser for the \"Charleston 9\".

2008-05-27 00:01:53 - Firefighters are raising money by riding 600 miles on bicycles from Naples, FL to Charleston, SC to honor nine Charleston firefighters who died June 18, 2007. All funds raised will aid the families.

Early Saturday morning, May 24, 2008, bicycle riders participating in the Brotherhood Ride 2008 were greeted by over 100 well wishers at Fire Station 45 in N Naples. The morning ceremony to wish riders a safe trip ended promptly at 9:15 a.m. as riders set off for their 1st leg of the inaugural Brotherhood Ride to Charleston, SC.

The 600 mile bicycle journey from Naples to Charleston will honor the 'Charleston 9' with the ride's theme being '9 Days for 9 Heroes' refering to the nine firefighters from Charleston that paid the ultimate sacrifice when they lost their lives during a warehouse fire on June 18, 2007.

Firefighters and volunteers have been raising funds for months to deliver to the families of the 'Charleston 9' and will be hand-delivered by the riders on June 1.

'The death of these unsung heroes resonated throughout the country and struck the hearts of local firefighters in Collier County, Florida. Firefighters did not want the sacrifice of these firefighters and their families to be forgotten,' were the comments given by Jeff Morse, Brotherhood Ride organizer, president and founder (and also a member of the North Naples Fire Department.)

The Brotherhood Ride consists of firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel who are riding to offer financial and emotional support to the families of those nine brave men. The Brotherhood Ride family extends well beyond the borders of Collier County and the State of Florida as represented by riders from Cincinnati, Ohio; Houston, Texas; Charlotte County; Haines City and North Port, Florida. Fire engines from various municipalities escorted the riders along their way providing an escort for safety and support. As one municipality pulled back, another city or county fire engine would take the lead. The support from one town to another was a great gesture of support for every rider.

Ending the first leg of the journey in Arcadia, FL, on Saturday, riders were greeted by Arcadia law enforcement officers, firefighters, the Mayor, members of the American Red Cross and local citizens.

The American Red Cross opened their doors and hearts to the men and women of the Brotherhood Ride by providing a welcoming barbeque and welcome festivities. They also supplied food, lodging and support to help the riders with their trip.

The Ride's scheduled stops include:
Florida: Arcadia; Winter Haven; Eustis; Palatka; Jacksonville;
Georgia: Brunswick; Savannah
South Carolina: Walterboro; Charleston

Donations can be made by stopping by any Regions Bank in SW FL before Sunday, June 1st. Earmark donations for the Brotherhood Ride and the money will be deposited in their account. All proceeds will be distributed among the nine families of the Charleston Firefighters.

More information about can also be found online at www.brotherhoodride.com.

About the Brotherhood Ride 2008

Firefighters and other volunteers are raising money by riding 600 miles on bicycles from Naples, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina to honor nine Charleston firefighters that lost their lives on June 18, 2007 doing what they love to do -- fighting fires and saving lives. All funds raised will aid the families of the "Charleston 9." The ride began on Saturday, May 24, 2008 in Naples, FL and ends on Sunday, June 1, 2008 in Charleston, SC.

Jeff Morse and other North Naples firefighters decided that this would be a yearly event. Each year they will select an unsung hero(s) from around the country to honor by riding bicycles to their hometown and providing financial and emotional support to their families and friends. The ride would take place about a year after their death as a reminder that they have not and will not be forgotten.