Despite rain, bikers roll in for charity

By KATIE SEMINARA

Proceeds from the run benefit a scholarship in the name of fallen Youngstown officer Michael Hartzell.

YOUNGSTOWN — Bikers always support bikers.

No matter what the cause, bikers say they always support one another, and that’s just what was going on at the sixth annual Fallen Officer Motorcycle Ride and Rally downtown Sunday.

“This event is a tribute to all my fallen comrades,” said Blue Knights President Bob Chaibi.

“We do this every year with representatives from all the police departments in the Valley,” he said.

Despite a rainy morning, the Blue Knights, a law enforcement biker club, along with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 28 still sponsored the ride across the Valley. It lasted three hours.

Fallen Officer Motorcycle Ride was created to remember Youngstown Police Officer Michael Hartzell as well as other officers from the area killed in the line of duty. Hartzell was shot and killed in an attack on West Federal Street on April 29, 2003.

Proceeds from the ride help fund the Mike Hartzell Scholarship for students attending Youngstown State University.

Russ Davis, vice president of the Blue Knights, said the best thing about this year’s rally was that people still came out to ride, even in the rain.

“For people to still show up and ride, it was amazing,” said Davis.

This is the third year the ride and rally took place downtown. According to Davis’ wife Marilyn, the area was more than accommodating.

“The Chevy Centre let everyone in when it started to rain,” said Marilyn, who noted that Dunkin’ Donuts of Austintown donated enough doughnuts and coffee for 600.

“This is a good event to showcase downtown and we want to keep it here to bring more people downtown,” said Marilyn.

Although the turn out wasn’t as high as previous years, the ride and rally still had plenty of entertainment and camaraderie.

Thunderstruck, Still Smokin’ and The River Saints all volunteered to play live performances, while participants enjoyed food and drinks in Central Square.

“This event brings back the memories and pulls the community together,” said Davis.