RKPA22 - News

Cambria & Surrounding Counties of West Central Pennsylvania

RED KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB - PA CHAPTER 22

2012 Trips Announced

So far, two trips have been tentatively scheduled for this year's ride season. Check your calendars and see if either of both fit into your schedule.

The first is a trip to Vermont with a visit to Americade. Tentatively, we're planning on shoving off on June 6th, with a tentative return on the 9th or 10th. The second is scheduled for mid-August, with Gettysburg and the annual Red Knights International Convention the destination. Tentatively, we're leaving on the 16th with a return on the 19th. Obviously, the sooner we finalize the size of the travel parties, the sooner we can book lodging reservations. If you can't make the entire convention, you're more than welcomed catch a couple of days.

In the case of the International Convention, pre-registration will ensure that you'll be able to enjoy some of the activities scheduled. To pre-register, click on the "links" section to the left of this page. Then click on the International website link. Once on the International site, click on their "links" section and locate PA 12's weblink. Once on their page, you'll see an icon for the registration form. Select what activities you're interested in attending and submit it at your earliest convenience.

I spoke to PA 12's president recently and he said they're anticipating 400-500 Red Knight registrations. So if you're up for meeting alot of new Red Knight brothers and sisters, join us for the trip.

2012 Fire Ride Info Coming Soon !!

Check back- information on the 2012 Fire Ride will be here very soon.

2012 Scholarship Program

Information and applications forms for the 2012 Red Knights PA 22 Scholarship Program will be posted on our website very soon.

2011 Scholarship Winners Announced

Brittany Fye of Cambria Heights High School and Wynter Youchak of Conemaugh Valley High School were selected at the 2011 Red Knights Scholarship winners. Ms. Fye, a member of the Patton Fire Department, will be attending the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in the fall.

Ms. Youchak is a member of the Cover Hill Fire Department's Ladies Auxilliary. She will attend Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA to study Equestrian Care and Veterinary Medicine Technology.

Red Knights member Derek McLauren presents Brittany

Fye with scholarship at awards ceremony at Cambria Heights

HS on May 19th.

Wynter Youchak is presented her scholarship check and

plaque by CV Guidance Counselor Laurie Semelsberger.

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 a 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 was attending an auction when he 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 2011

Inquiries are already starting to come in from out of town guests hoping to hook up with us for this year's Thunder in the Valley. The dates are Thursday June 23rd through Sunday June 26th. All are invited to help welcome them back. After the unanimously positive feedback we got after last year's event, it's no wonder they're returning.

We may need some help setting things up as we get closer to their visit. Follow e-mails and website postings.

4th Annual Fire Ride

A sunny sky was the perfect ingredient for the 4th Annual Fire Ride, held July 9th. The nearly 120 mile ride included a stop at the Alum Bank Fire Station in Bedford County, as well as the Portage and East Taylor Twp. Fire Stations in Cambria County. After plenty of food, all participants went home with a door prize, thanks to nearly 50 ride sponsors. At the end of the day, nearly $1,100 was raised for the Cambria County fire training site.

Thanks to all those who made the event another success!!

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 the Cambria County Fire Training site.

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 !!!!

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 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.

2010 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.

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.

Membership Update

Currently, have 56 members, representing 27 fire agencies.