Richmond Fire plans motorcycle poker run memorial

From the Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Richmond Fire plans motorcycle poker run memorial
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

RICHMOND – Firefighter Ward Weber had been planning a motorcycle poker run to raise money for the Richmond Fire Department for more than a year and a half.

After the avid snowmobiler and family man died of a heart attack in July at age 48, his peers decided to finish the job.

The Richmond Fire Protection District will host its first motorcycle poker run and bicycle run Sunday in Weber's memory. The event will raise money for the station and aspiring firefighters.

Fellow Richmond firefighter Mark Miller, who is organizing the event, said Weber was known for his enthusiasm for his work, his family and enjoying the snow in the winter. Weber spent 13 years as a firefighter.

Anyone who rides a motorcycle is invited to meet at the firehouse by 9 a.m. Sunday. Registration is $25 per motorcycle and $5 for a passenger, and will be accepted the morning of the event.

Miller said about 400 motorcyclists were expected to participate as of Friday.

The motorcyclists will leave about 10:15 a.m. to travel to five different firehouses in the county, including stops in Harvard, Huntley and Johnsburg. The total trip will be about 90 miles and will last several hours.

At each stop, the motorcyclists will pick up a playing card, hoping to assemble the best hand.

There also will be a bicycle rally happening simultaneously for anyone who wants to participate but doesn't own a motorcycle, or for families. Bicyclists will travel different routes, some riding through Glacial Park at the McHenry County Conservation District and others through the Spring Grove area, Miller said.

"We're making it have a family feel," he said.

The bicycle rally starts at 8 a.m.

After the both the motorcycle event and the bicycle event, participants are invited to a pig roast hosted by the Richmond Odd Fellows Ben-Hur council. The pig roast will cost $5 a person. There also will be raffles, Miller said.

Money raised will be used to establish a scholarship for high school students who pursue a degree in fire science or emergency medical services. Some of the money raised will be used to help build a structure near the firehouse for new fire apparatus.

If you go
What: Richmond Fire first annual Ward Weber Memorial Poker Run.
When: Bicycle run starts at 8 a.m., and motorcycle run registration starts at 9 a.m. Sunday.
Where: Starts at Richmond firehouse, 5601 Hunter Drive, Richmond. For information, call 815-678-3672.