It was showtime!
While the riders rode and the support team supported, it was you know what and elbows back home!
Muriel Jones & Lifeguard Section Chief Mickey Gallagher had been prepping for our arrival. Food and drink had been ordered, parking arrangements with the city of Santa Monica for our support vehicles, Venice lifeguard facilities prepped and a multitude of other mundane but essential items handled.
We at Fire Velo thank Muriel & Mickey along with Camp 8, Battalion 5 Chief Haskell and the "coast fire stations for the escort". Thanks also to Santa Monica FD and LAFD Crew 3 for their support and attendance. It was good to see our "Crew Chief" Juan Gonzales join us for a coming home party. Juan was doing what he loves to do which is teach. We missed his leadership and hope to see him in 2013.
It was great to have Fire Chief Osby who is also a "National Team Member" for Fire Velo be in attendance. We look forward to the chief in the future using some "T" time to ride with us.
Thanks also to Captain Mark Savage from Community Relations for being our MC. Mark, congratulations on your promotion to BC on September 1st!
Families and friends surrounded the riders on the piers. Small children finally had their "special" person back home.
After hugs, handshakes and kisses all around, we gathered back at lifeguard HQ's for the closing ceremony. Chief Osby spoke of the importance of family and co-workers in support of others in their battle against cancer and how this event has become an important component of that battle. We also paused to remember those who have given their all.
A framed jersey was presented to the Jefferson family and members of FS58 in memory of FFPM Crystal Golden-Jefferson who lost her battle in 2005.
As the ceremony came to a close, Chaplain Wade Little (LACoFD retired) led a closing prayer. One last item remained, a meal on the beach with riders, families and friends!
It was a long week in review. 540 miles for most riders, a few more for those who missed a turn or two. Plenty of sore muscles and backsides. One sore noggin from a spill, but thanks to a good helmet, all ended well.
At last count, we had raised over $35,000. with more money expected in the days ahead.
You can still make a donation. Send a check to "FireVelo" c/o our treasurer Wade Little, 6311 West Avenue L-12, Lancaster, 93536.
Check your calendars for Sunday, October 7, 2012. The Firefighter Cancer Support Network is hosting a "Gala Dinner and Fundraiser" at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City.
Go to their website www.FirefighterCancer Support.org for more details.
It was a long week, but a great week!
On behalf of everyone who rode or assisted in the 2012 SF2LA Firefighter Cancer Support Ride, we say thanks and good night!
Buck Buchanan
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