Riders, residents unite to honor fallen officer

Area restaurants showcased cuisine at the tribute to Michael Hartzell.
By SARAH POULTON
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Fallen officers were honored Sunday during the fourth annual memorial motorcycle run with bands, food and festivities.
The "Fun Run" began at 11 a.m. on Shady Run Road and ended at Federal Plaza at 1:45 p.m. The bikers rode through the Mahoning Valley in memory of Youngstown Patrolman Michael Hartzell, who died in the line of duty April 29, 2003.
Claire Maluso, Federal Plaza director, said the tribute used to be at Jolly Joe's Restaurant and Sports Bar in Youngstown. But with 1,500 bikes, the event became too big, she said, and she was happy to help move it downtown.
"I like doing events like this," Maluso said. "These officers leave their families every morning and don't know if they're coming back. Any tribute we can pay to them is worth it."
This event gave local restaurants the opportunity to introduce themselves to out-of-towners, as well as locals who do not usually go downtown, Maluso said. Each rider and passenger was given a $5 food voucher to use at participating restaurants during the event.
Many proponents
The Bean Counter Cafe on East Federal Street has been open for three years, owner Jason Logero said. The ride was great for business, he added, suggesting that the city hold events like it more often.
"It's great for Youngstown," Logero said. "It's one more way the city is trying to change the image of Youngstown."
Dale Peck of Austintown has been a member of the Ohio Horsemen Teamsters for three years and has participated in the event for that long. The Teamsters help out every year by parking the bikes and blocking off the intersections, he said.
"I'm doing this because of Michael, but it's for all the guys who do this every day," said Peck, a childhood friend of Hartzell's. "It's a big deal to us. He was a great guy, and they help us, so we help them."
Rhonda Martin of Cortland said she bought her first bike three months ago after being inspired by the Teamsters to ride. She said that this was her first year participating in the event, but it's been the best time of her summer.
"This gives people a kinship with the officers," she said. "It makes you appreciate what they do for you and how they put their life on the line daily to keep us safe."
Marc Gillette, YPD patrolman, also worked with and grew up with Hartzell. He said he rides every year in the event, not only for Hartzell's memory, but for all of the officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.
"He was a very nice guy," Gillette said. "He was caring, compassionate and an all-around good dude."
The coordinators were expecting between 12,000 and 14,000 people to show up, Maluso said. In the end, more than 2,000 riders and passengers paid tribute to the fallen officers, she said.
Each rider donated $15, and each passenger donated $10 for the cause. There was a 50/50 raffle, and gift basket give-a-ways, Maluso said.
Area bands Still Smokin', Thunderstruck and River Saints rocked the plaza from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The run was sponsored by the Blue Knights Youngstown XXVII, Lodge 28 Youngstown and the Federal Plaza Office, City of Youngstown.
spoulton@vindy.com