VIDEO/PHOTOS: More than a thousand motorcyclists gathered in Ogden this weekend to honor fallen firefighters and first responders. The annual Fire Ride is intended to bring both awareness and healing. This year’s event began early at South Valley Harley-Davidson with a pancake breakfast. Then came the ride, a procession of more than a thousand motorcycles making their way to the Ogden Amphitheater where the memorial ceremony was held. The wall bears the names of firefighters who died in the line of duty, with 72 names added to the wall this year. Some names date all the way back to 1870. “
It’s finally finished. It’s taken us a little over 20 years to finally get it done with all the proceeds and money,” said Rich King, co-founder of the Fallen Firefighter Memorial. The memorial is a community-funded project, built with no government money, and designed to ensure these heroes are never forgotten. Organizers said while construction is complete, the mission isnโt. โThis wall is a wall of honor, but I always say: Donโt end up on it. Learn. Stay safe. Be there for each other,” said King. Plans are underway to add statues honoring both firefighters and police officers side by side. “We also work very closely with our brothers in blue,” he said. The memorial is open to the public every day, located in the heart of Ogden.
