Thank You Tour On The Countdown
Assistant Chief Bobby Halton, City of Albuquerque FD
Heather Caspi, Firehouse.com News
Bobby Halton, Albuquerque FD
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The FDNY Thank You Tour is nearing the end of its journey as it
tackles Arizona, with only a few days left to reach Pasadena, CA by
December 16.
The tour entered New Mexico on December 6 and conquered it in just a
few days despite a cold, strong head wind that fought the riders much
of the way into Albuquerque, according to Albuquerque FD Assistant
Chief Bobby Halton.
The group of FDNY firefighters has been averaging about 100 miles per
day as they bike from coast to coast, thanking people across America
for their outpouring of love and support following the tragedy of
September 11.
The riders spent their first New Mexico night in the city of Santa
Rosa and were joined the next morning by Governor Gary Johnson, who
rode with them for four hours as they headed toward Albuquerque on
the Anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
When they stopped at The Holy Child Catholic Church in Tijeras,
Albuquerque Fire Department Honor Guard Bagpiper Mike Bickault played
for the group, and the Rev. John Carney thanked them and commented on
how the courage of the FDNY has brought America together again.
According to Halton, Father Carney continued, "Because of you, we are
all Americans now, Because of you, we're all New Yorkers, Because of
you, we are all brothers and sisters. Our new heroes are
firefighters. Because of you, we've learned to love each other liked
we've never loved each other before."
As the piper played Amazing Grace, Father John hugged and blessed the
riders, and asked God to stop the winds and open the way for them,
Halton said.
The riders were met in Albuquerque by dozens of citizens and by Fire
Chief Robert Ortega, who presented them with a proclamation from the
mayor declaring December 7, 2001 as FDNY day for Albuquerque, Halton
said.
The tour spent the night at Station 3, where they were fed a
traditional chicken enchilada dinner and many varieties of snacks,
Halton said. The riders also were treated to massages from a local
wellness company for free.
"We are very honored to have had the opportunity to have the tour
stop in our city and we are very proud of the bond between FDNY and
the Fire Department of the City of Albuquerque," Halton said.
He also gave special thanks to Governor Gary Johnson, Lieutenant
Richard Pohl, to Paramedic Richard Lovato for cooking, Lieutenant
Lynn Rule and Driver John Paulson for organizing, and to Father John
Carney.
"As the riders left headed south on I 25 to Socorro, there was no
wind and the beautiful New Mexico sun was shinning," Halton said.
Other stops in New Mexico included Grants, San Rafael, Ramah, and Zuni.
As the riders pass through Arizona, their hosts are gearing up for
them in California.
They will first stop in the city of Blythe where they will spend the
night with the Riverside County Fire Department, and will then ride
on to Palm Springs.
"The spirit and pride these men are bringing with them can be seen
everywhere they stop," said the tour's California escort liaison in a
prepared statement. Art Femister, firefighter and President of The
National Association Citizens On Patrol, said "The public reaction
has been tremendous and I know the citizens of California will give
them the heroes welcome they deserve."
The tour will continue from Palm Springs to downtown Riverside on
Saturday, the 15th, for an afternoon lunch break and then head to
their final night's destination at Rancho Cucamonga. They expect to
hit Pasadena, CA on the 16th where they will be met with a lavish
welcome ceremony to cap their 3,000 mile journey.
The California Highway Patrol has agreed to provide a full escort
from the Arizona Border to Pasadena. According to Femister , "To my
knowledge this is the longest escort in the history of the CHP along
a major interstate freeway. We are so grateful for the CHP's
assistance with this escort and look forward to seeing the community
out there cheering them on."
Related:
• Albuquerque Fire Department
• Thank You Tour Touches Texas Town
• Pampa Fire Department
• FDNY Tour Visits Athens Tenn.
• Daily Post-Athenian
• Knoxville Hosts FDNY Thank You America Tour
• "Thank You America" Heads To TN
• Official Tour Web Site
• Bike Tour Slide Show
• "Thank You America" Tour Gets to VA
• Bravest Bike Tour Rolling
• NYC Firefighters Bike For Unity
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