CT United Ride Attracts a Monroe Crowd

Two ladder trucks supported an enormous American flag flapping in the breeze over Main Street on the hot Sunday afternoon. Beneath the Stars and Stripes, strobe lights from a cadre of red fire trucks glowed in the sunlight.

Droves of volunteer firefighters and residents eagerly awaited the arrival of more than 2,000 motorcycles participating in Connecticut United Ride 2010.

"They organized it and did it two weeks after 911," Stepney Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Klemish said. "It wasn't as big then and now it's huge. The most important thing is money goes to families of police officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty.

"Fred Garrity organized it. He just knows how strong the brotherhood is between police officers and firefighters."

The route began in Norwalk and made its way through Newtown and Monroe before reaching its final destination at Seaside Park in Bridgeport.

The 60-mile ride went through 11 cities and towns. Fire departments assembled with American flags along the way.

Klemish organized Monroe firefighters' showing on Main Street, across from the car wash.

The more than 300 New York City firefighters who died in the rubble when the Twin Towers collapsed during the 911 terrorist attacks inspired local firefighters to rally behind the CT United Ride.

This year's event is dedicated to two Bridgeport firefighters who lost their lives fighting an afternoon blaze at 41 Elmwood Ave. on July 24. Steven Velasquez and Michel Baik were found lying on the top floor of the three story residential building and both were later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Authorities believe the men died of smoke inhalation, but an investigation is still pending.

A portion of the proceeds from this year's ride will benefit their families.

Ruth Dushay of Monroe was among the crowd on hand to show their support to the riders Sunday. Her husband, Paul, is a Bridgeport firefighter who was on the scene of the fire that fateful day.

"My husband always tells me between the excellent training and equipment they have, 'Don't worry. You really don't see a lot of deaths anymore,'" Dushay said. "I don't take it for granted as much now."

"Every fire is not routine," Klemish said. "There are no two fires that are alike. They only had two means of egress, one way in and one way out."

James Candee, captain of the Easton Police Department, has been a Stepney volunteer firefighter for 30 years.

"There's a little more meaning this year," he said of the dedication to the Bridgeport firefighters. "It's a little closer to home. A lot of guys over here know guys over there. A lot of paid firefighters come from the volunteer ranks."

Stepney's flag makes its debut

When former first selectman Thomas Buzi died, Klemish said his department borrowed a flag from the Long Hill Fire Department to honor him.

Since then, Stepney Volunteer Fire Department bought its own 15-by-24-foot American flag, which it unfurled over Main Street for the CT United Ride Sunday.

"This is its inaugural use," Klemish said.

Well over 60 people came out to watch the thundering herd of motorcycles go by.

"We've been coming here five years," said Carolyn Schmaling of Monroe. "We have to show support for our fellow brother and sister firefighters."

Schmaling's husband Scott, daughters Caty, 21, and Theresa, 18, and sons David, 26, Andrew, 23, and Will, 16, are all Stepney volunteer firefighters.

Roaring down Main Street

It was 12:56 p.m. when Klemish walked along the side of the road with a spring in his step. "They're out by Pepper Street," he said. "They should be coming any minute."

Moments later, approaching strobe lights could be seen in the distance. Sirens from police motorcycles and other emergency vehicles escorting the bikers slowly grew louder.

Soon hundreds of bikers whizzed by. Drivers and members of the crowd exchanged waves and thumbs up. Some female passengers held up cameras and snapped photos as the bikes rode past.

After the steady stream of bikes roared by, Klemish said a second group was still on its way from Newtown.

"That was the most I've ever seen," Candee said, "and there's more coming."

Klemish was all smiles. "We're here to support them," he said of the riders, "and they're here to support us."