FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Making the holidays a little brighter for agencies in Flagler County, the Knights of the Inferno Firefighters Motorcycle Club, Palm Coast Chapter, delivered their annual holiday donations over the past week, alongside The Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Flagler County Chapter.
Stops with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Flagler County Fire Rescue, and the Palm Coast Professional Firefighters Local 4807 have become a tradition for the organization comprised of retired firefighters, emergency responders and military members, according to president and chapter founder Joe Vece.
“I have a good feeling about giving back to the community,” said Vece. “The money that we raise and we donate goes to good causes. We’ve got a bunch of guys in the club and we work together. And the old guns and hoses myth, that’s just a fun thing. Overall, we work together and I’m very proud of it.”
Donations are a result of t-shirt purchases at the annual 9/11 Memorial Ride and Ceremony, hosted by the Knights of the Inferno FFMC and The Punishers LEMC, which is free to participate.
“It’s not a fundraiser. When they come there, they’re there for the right reason, strictly to remember those from 9/11,” he said.
While the donations for the sheriff’s office and Palm Coast firefighter’s union benefit holiday charity events – Shop with a Cop and the Heroes and Helpers event, Flagler County Fire Chief Mike Tucker slates the donates for tactical gear for the department’s EMT’s to protect them when responding to emergencies.
On the receiving end, Flagler County Fire Rescue’s Chief Mike Tucker is grateful for the community’s care and support when it comes to the lives his team.
“Obviously the safety part of this is critical, especially for purchasing things like tactical gear. The fire service has changed. When we got into it 20, 30 years ago, the thought of going into a situation where you needed tactical gear wasn’t even a concept,” explained Tucker.
“We appreciate the Knights of the Inferno and The Punishers for stepping up and doing this year after year,” he said.
As part of a lifelong brotherhood, Vece and fellow members enjoy the opportunity to give back to first responders, especially knowing the funds are raised as a result of the 9/11 Memorial Ride hosted by the organization in conjunction with The Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Flagler County Chapter.
Along for the presentations, John Gayle, the organization’s treasurer, says continuing to serve is what it’s all about.
“It’s very important (to partner) because it helps keep us connected with our community. It also goes with our overall model of in service to others,” said Gayle.
“When you get to see where the funds go to, how it helps out our community, in this case what we did last week with the Shop with a Cop, and things like this, just see where the money goes and the good work these organizations are doing, it gives you a good feeling.”
Featured Image: Knights of the Inferno Firefighters Motorcycle Club, Palm Coast Chapter, delivered their annual holiday donations over the past week, alongside The Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Flagler County Chapter. Photo courtesy of Lt. Patrick Juliano.
