Hundreds of motorcyclists ride in Youngstown for fallen cops

YOUNGSTOWN — Roxanne Durante of Youngstown has only been riding her own motorcycle for two months, but she had no hesitation about entering her 500cc Kawasaki Vulcan in the fifth annual Fallen Officers Memorial Run.

Durante and her aunt, Michelle Durante, astride a Harley-Davidson Sportster, joined hundreds of other motorcyclists from across the region to participate in the event Sunday.

The run honors all fallen police officers in the Mahoning Valley but is held in memorial of city patrolman Michael Hartzell who was murdered in April 2003.

“I think it’s a nice way to give back, to show my support,” Roxanne Durante said as she climbed aboard her bike to move to another locale in Federal Plaza.

The plaza and several blocks of Federal Street, Market Avenue and Wick Avenue were closed for the day as hundreds of gleaming motorcycles, the majority of them Harley-Davidsons, lined the streets after the ride as participants listened to bands and found a bite to eat.

The after-ride party was open to anyone.

The ride is sponsored by the Blue Knights Lodge 28 of Youngstown to honor fellow police officers who have died in the line of duty.