Last week, a group of 35 cyclists consisting of Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, and EMS personnel took off on a 600-mile ride across the State of Florida, riding in honor of 20 Florida Fallen Heroes who died in the line of duty in 2017.
The Brotherhood Ride is a non-profit charity organization, which consists of Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers and EMS personnel who ride bicycles to honor emergency first responders who have died in the line of duty. Their mission is to provide emotional and financial support to the families on or near the anniversary of their death.
Kevin Katsarelas, a Deputy First Class with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, was among the cyclists who participated in the ride. “This is my 5th year participating in the Brotherhood Ride,” stated DFC Katsarelas, who added that he joined the Brotherhood Ride after the death of Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Michael Wilson. Sgt. Wilson was killed in the line of duty responding to a domestic incident on August 5, 2013. “We ride to honor the memories of fallen first responders, and to show their loved ones that their hero will not be forgotten.”
DFC Katsarelas states that every year the ride is a different experience but that Honor, Dedication, and Remembrance are always the motivation.
Through year-round fundraising efforts, the Brotherhood Ride has been able to honor the memory of 531 fallen heroes and provide emotional and financial support to their families.
More information on their organization can be found at www.brotherhoodride.com.
Check out more photos from the 2018 ride by clicking here to go to the Florida Elks website.
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