EMS Riders Arrive in Roanoke
ROANOKE, VA -- About 200 hot, tired and sweaty bicyclists arrived here Friday night to applause, bag pipes and tears.
Many admitted they were exhausted. But, the idea of pedaling in to Hotel Roanoke to meet the families of EMS heroes gave them the extra push.
Roanoke residents waved as the bicyclists involved in the National EMS Memorial Ride -- under the escort of a motorcade of motorcycles, police and rescue vehicles -- pedaled toward their final destination.
Heroes' names were written in chalk in the driveway entrance. Their pictures and brief life stories were posted on white boards, and attached to stakes.
Riders went through the crowd looking for the families or co-workers of the person they rode for. Each rider wore dog tags bearing the name of a fallen hero.
Now, it was time to make a connection. Put a face with that name on the tag.
Once the connection was made, there were multiple hugs and tears. Some held hands as they shared stories.
Karen Solis, of South Carolina, rode for her friend, Gina Vecchione, who died of a heart attack. "There were many hard days," she said of the ride from New York to Roanoke.
Monique Johnson, who lost her brother, Mark Coyne in a medevac crash in Wisconsin, fought tears. "This is so awesome, bittersweet..."
Chris Elliott was sweaty and visibly tired. He rode in memory of a colleague who killed himself after killing two others. "Stress of this job is serious," he said as his voice cracked with emotion. "It is killing more and more every year. We have to pay attention..."
One person who participated in the EMS ride last year was remembered this year after taking his own life. Jackie Birrenbach, of Minnesota, wore the tags bearing his name. "It's sad," she said.
Adrian Funchess, of Michigan, was at the ceremony to honor his step-father, Richard Chenault, who was killed in the crash of a Cessna.
Chenault was a medic and organ donor specialist. He was killed while transporting organs from Wisconsin to Michigan.
Funchess, 19, said he was impressed. "It is wonderful that a lot of people are concerned for all of us. It takes a lot of care and compassion. I greatly appreciate it."
