COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — The revving of motorcycle engines echoed throughout Coeur d’Alene today as hundreds of motorcycles embarked on a memorial ride toward Spokane, honoring two firefighters who lost their lives in a deadly ambush on Canfield Mountain.
The ride, organized by the Knights of the Inferno Motorcycle Club and the Red Knights Motorcycle Club, brought bikers from across the country together at the base of the mountain where the tragedy occurred. Among the flowers and flags at the firefighters’ memorial, riders in leather vests covered in patches and helmets gathered for a different kind of procession.
“This is what we do. Community needs us. We step up,” said Brad Finney of the Knights of the Inferno Motorcycle Club.
The memorial ride served a dual purpose — honoring the lives of the fallen firefighters while raising money for their families. The tragedy has struck particularly close to home for many participants, as numerous bikers are firefighters and first responders themselves.
“It is devastating, very devastating. It hits close to home for sure,” said Nohnie Simonsen of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club.
Jennifer Voyles, also with the Knights of the Inferno Motorcycle Club, explained the personal connection many riders feel to the fallen firefighters.
“We’re first responders. We’re the first line that’s going in. For all of us this is very close and very personal and so we are here to help our brothers and sisters,” Voyles said.
The fundraising effort has exceeded expectations, with organizers reporting they have raised more than $5,000 that will go directly to the families of the fallen firefighters. The donations have poured in from across the country.
“Everybody I’ve called for help has said, ‘What can I do?’ And given more than I even asked for,” Finney said.
Don Lathrum of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club described the overwhelming community response as humbling.
“This is humbling. It’s amazing the support that we’ve had with the community, the biker community, all coming together like, it doesn’t make any difference what club you’re in. Everybody just comes together,” Lathrum said.
The ride represents more than a one-time gesture of support. Organizers hope to establish this memorial ride as an annual tradition, recognizing that the families will need ongoing support in the years ahead.
“There’s something in the air. Seeing all this, I don’t know that I processed it all but it’s heartwarming. I mean, I grew up here, and I know what this community is about. They’re showing their worth right now,” Finney said.
The memorial ride demonstrates how the firefighting and first responder community rallies together during times of tragedy, with men and women who have spent their careers keeping their community safe now coming together to support those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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