RKPA22 - News

Cambria & Surrounding Counties of West Central Pennsylvania

RED KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB - PA CHAPTER 22

PA 22 Members Recognized

Recently members Ken McCloskey (Gallitzin FD) and Brian Burgoon (Reade Twp. FD) were both recognized for their quick response to potentially deadly situations. While attending Brian and Sharon's wedding reception last summer, Ken noticed an elderly gentleman slumped over in his chair and not breathing. He quickly delivered the Heimlich Maneuver until the man regained consciousness. His efforts were recognized with the presentation of a Valor Award by the Cambria County Firemen's Association on July 30th, during their annual convention.

Brian was likewise honored with a Valor Award, this one from the Central District Firemen's Association of Pennsylvania, at their recent convention in Clymer, PA. Last summer, Brian and his wife were attending an auction when they noticed a man in obvious distress as a result of a piece of food lodged in his throat. With the man's daughter unsuccessfully able to dislodge the item, Brian sprung into action, repeatedly delivering the Heimlich until the the food was dislodged.

Both instances were stunning reminders that even the most basic of training techniques can prove to be valuable. Congratulations to both men !!

Thunder in the Valley 2010

What a weekend !!! Thunder in the Valley was another great opportunity to do alot of riding, eating alot of good food and meeting great new people.

This year, we hosted 15 members of the New York City Fire Riders (FDNY), as well as four members of RKMC PA 6 (Levittown). The Fire Riders arrived in waves, beginning at 5:00 pm Thursday. The Levittown contingent wasn't so lucky. Slowed down by some bad weather and a bike breakdown, they didn't arrive until 2:00 am Friday.

It didn't seem to put a damper on the event, with both groups spending time getting acquainted with our rolling hills and great ride opportunities. After a "do your own thing" Friday, the groups met that night at the Conemaugh Firemen's Club for a bash that ended in the wee hours of Saturday morning.

Saturday found all chapters joining with factions of the Chrome Divas to form a 50 bike contingent represented in the Grand Parade in downtown Johnstown. After a photo shoot, the bikes made the customary journey to the Flight 93 Memorial and the Shanksville Fire Station, where a cross made of World Trade Center Steel had been presented two years ago by the FDNY.

The rest of Saturday was more riding, more partying and another long night at the Firemen's Club. All the groups made their way out of Johnstown by noon Sunday.

A big thanks to our brothers from the FDNY and Levittown and our sisters from the Chrome Divas for making our efforts of hosting them worthwhile. We hope you all had a great time and hope to see you back next year. And don't forget- bring your friends !!

Scholarship Program

Congratulations to Tyler McLaurin and Mark Pritt, the 2010 recipients of our Scholarship Program.

Tyler, a senior at Cambria Heights High School, is a member of Hastings Fire Department, as well as Hastings Ambulance. He is planning on attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

President Truscello, Tyler McLaurin, Derek McLaurin (Tyler's dad

and Red Knight member) Secretary Rykala at Cambria Heights HS

awards ceremony and banquet- May 17th.

Mark, a senior at Greater Johnstown High School, is a member of West Taylor Fire Department. He is scheduled to begin his post-secondary studies at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

Red Knights member Bob Lonsinger and Mark Pritt, after scholarship presentation ceremony at Greater Johnstown HS on

June 2nd.

PA 22 Again Takes Home the Hardware

For the second year in a row, our mounted honor guard was awarded the Judges Choice Award at the recent Central District Firemen's Association of Pennsylvania convention parade in Clymer, PA. Last year, the honor guard took home the gold while participating at the Central District convention parade held in Irvona. Great job guys and gals !!!

New Members Welcomed

A warm welcome to Chris Cherry (Belwood FD) and Bob Adams (Cresson FD), new members enrolled since our last website update.

2010 Fire Ride

The 3rd Annual Fire Ride was the biggest we've had to date. 75 riders enjoyed an absolutely gorgeous day and helped us raise $1,000 for our charities.

A big THANK YOU to the East Taylor, Portage and Gallitzin Fire Departments for allowing us the use of their stations.

Special kudos to Kenny Mac and his committee for putting in all the time and effort to make the event a success.

Hopefully his nerves are back to normal !!!!

New England Trip

On July 17th, nine members departed on a trip that carried them through nine states in nine days and covered nearly 1,800 miles. The first three days were spent in New York City as guests of a very special group of New York City Fire Riders. While some of our group returned home, the rest journeyed north, accompanied by Rich Snyder and Charlie Wells of the Fire Riders. Two days in Cape Cod were followed by stops in Portland, Maine and Rutland, Vermont and included all the states in between.

Events Page

Any member whose fire station is holding a fundraiser is invited to advertise it on our "Events" page. E-mail the pertinent information (date, time, location and any other useful info) to the secretary.

Likewise, as ride season approaches, news of a multitude of benefit rides hits the streets. We will do our best to include as many of them as we can on our page.

Membership Update

Our roster was turned in for 2010. We currently have 68 members, representing 26 fire agencies.

OPERATION SHOEBOX: Update

Through the generosity of our membership, 44 supply packages were turned over to Erin Barefoot, the young lady who conducted this project. From what we've learned, the packages will be handed over to a local service man, who will distribute them among his outfit. In all, Erin will be turning over 118 individual supply packages.

I'm sure that the packages will be much appreciated by those who receive them.

Members List Page

The Members List continues to grow. Any member wishing to have their name and e-mail address listed on our member page is asked to contact the secretary. In your reply, please indicate exactly how you want your entry to read (ie. full first & last name, first name and last name initial, etc.) No member's name or e-mail address will be placed on the page without his/her permission.

Members List Page