As we write this newsletter, we are about to embark from Forest Junction Fire Station for the 2018 American Tribute Ride. The ATR committee is grateful for the support and efforts put forth by the hosts of our stops in this 16th ride this committee has organized. Forest Junction FD had a great display commemorating the 9-11 attacks on your county. Town of Calumet Fire Department proved to be a great host for our lunch stop. We are grateful to have had Plymouth and Waldo fire departments are our host for rest stops along the way. Finally but not least of all, Boltonville Fire Department and its members have proved that we all care to provide a meaningful and fulfilling experience to honor those that have made the Ultimate Sacrifice.
The 2018 American Tribute Ride honored our past committee member, Bruce Bintzler of the Lomira Fire Department, was an instrumental member of committee for 15 years. His dedication and efforts to provide for a safe adventure along with his wife, Debbie, will never be forgotten. Debbie continues to be an instrumental member. We had a balloon release at Forest Junction to honor our friend. The entire ride was dedicated to remember those that died in the Line of Duty from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. Those were: Firefighter/Retired Chief Terrance E. Shafer of the Spring Valley Fire Department, Firefighter/EMT Matt Deicher of the Mosinee Fire and Ambulance, FF – Paramedic Richard L. Garner Jr. of the City of Madison Fire Department, FF Philip H. Neubich of the Spooner Fire District, Air Methods Pilot Rico Caruso of the Ascension Spirit, Flight Paramedic Greg Rosenthal of the Ascension Spirit, Flight Nurse Klint Mitchell of the Ascension Spirit, and Police Officer Charles Irvine, Jr. of the Milwaukee Police Department.
This year’s ride is sponsored by many people and companies:
Eagle Engraving Sun Graphics
Property Loss Management Mel Gullickson
Professional Plating, Inc. Gordie Boucher Ford-Lincoln/West Bend
Schuette Heating and Air Conditioning Ameriquip
Lakeside International Trucks Open Roads Angels.
Donors at the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Convention
TNT Rescue Tools Fire-Rescue Supply
Rennerts Fire Equipment Service.
It is the goal of the committee of the American Tribute Ride to provide funds to Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial [towards a new lawnmower], Concerns of Police Survivors-Wisconsin, Wisconsin Veterans Housing and Recovery Program-King, Stars and Stripes Honor Flights, and Wisconsin Youth Camp for Burn Survivors.
