September 11, 2015, was an appropriate day to start the Brotherhood Ride because of the anniversary of 9/11. The Brotherhood Ride was a six-day bicycle ride that began in Emmitsburg at the National Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial and ended in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 16.
The ride was dedicated to twenty-seven Emergency First Responders from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts who died in the line of duty in 2014 while protecting their communities. This year’s Brotherhood team was made up of thirty-five riders and fifteen support members, who rode over 500 miles, pedaling an average of 70-90 miles a day.
For this cause, sponsors donate in the name of the various riders—per mile amount or static amount.
The Emmitsburg Ambulance Company was the riders’ host for the overnight leading up to their departure. The ride’s coordinator, Jeff Morse, spoke to the riders shortly before they left. He thanked everyone for believing in the ride, indicating that when the group has an overnight stop, “People like Mary Lou Little say, ‘How many nights, how many meals, how many people?’ and their answer is never no.”
EVAC president, Mary Lou Little said, “We are just honored to have you. We hope you had a comfortable stay. We hope you got enough to eat. Our doors are open to you anytime.”
Jeff presented the Ambulance Company with a plaque signed by the riders. Jeff also mentioned that the employees at Jet Blue sponsored their flights out of Boston the night before. He thanked them as well.
Mary Lou indicated that the EVAC hosts bingo nights, during which an extra 50/50 game is held. The company’s half of the 50/50 is donated back to the community, the fire museum, the food bank, the Lions Club, the Seton Center Outreach, and others.
“It’s our way of giving back to our community for all the support they give us,” Little said. She presented the Brotherhood Ride with a $500 donation out of that fund.
For more information about the Brotherhood Ride, visit
www.brotherhoodride.com.
Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company President Mary Lou Little presented Jeff Morse, with the Brotherhood Ride, with a check for $500.
