PALM SPRINGS, Calif. --
A Georgia firefighter will begin a five-week, 2,700- mile bicycle trip today from Palm Springs to South Carolina to raise money for the families of nine Charleston firefighters killed when a roof collapsed on a warehouse in June.
Laddie Williams, an Augusta firefighter and amateur bike racer, arrived in Palm Springs Sunday night. He will depart from fire station 2, 300 N. El Cielo Road, at 10 a.m. Tuesday on his cross-country journey.
During his trek, Williams will stay at fire stations along the way and raise money for the families of the fallen by asking for donations. Firefighters will also help fund raise in their local areas.
"All the money raised will go to the June 18 Fund for fallen firefighters," Williams said.
The bike ride is designed to raise awareness of the hazards of emergency service work and to help those in need, Williams said.
"I am a third-generation firefighter, so (the Charleston fire) hit extremely close to home," Williams said.
"I watched the news, trying to understand why this tragedy occurred and longing for the opportunity to help. Thinking about that firefighter asking over the radio to tell his wife he loved her made me realize I had to act... and in a way that would be meaningful to those left behind."
The 280,000-member Washington D.C.-based International Association of Firefighters is sponsoring Williams' ride, along with local firefighters who are either working an extra day or donating a vacation day so he can be paid during his ride.
Williams is scheduled to arrive in Charleston on Oct. 15.
Anyone interested in making a donation to the families of the fallen firefighters can donate online at The Ride For The Charleston C9 or send checks payable to the IAFF, Post Office Box 1623, Augusta, Ga., 30903.
