The Shady Brady Tennessee Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ride will be traveling through the Upper Cumberland Saturday.
Sparta Firefighter Barry Brady started the motorcycle ride in 2015 to raise funds for the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Brentwood. Event Organizer Kayla Williams said Brady passed away in 2019, but the fundraiser continues in his honor.
“He started the ride to make sure that all the fallen across the state of Tennessee their families have somewhere that would honor them and know that we understand the sacrifices they gave, and they will always be honored forever,” Williams said.
Williams said the riders start at the Sparta Fire Department and go through Smithville, McMinnville. Then, Lynchburg and Murfreesboro follow after that. Williams said each motorcycle rider you will see has one tag of a fallen firefighter to ride for.
“It really, really brought a little bit of symbolism and gave them a purpose of who they are riding for,” Williams said. “I have several riders that go back and do research on them. We’ve got some that date back to the early 1900’s. It’s a great day of coming together.”
Williams said residents are welcome to gather in the downtown areas to show support. Williams said local fire departments will be out displaying American flags and response vehicles to honor fallen firefighters.
“It’s great, because the community comes out,” Williams said. “They get to support the firefighters. They get to see what we’re doing. It’s really neat also because kids they come out and wave. All of our riders are very respectful and wave and are just happy to see community support for a great cause.”
Williams said the event begins at 9:00 a.m. Williams said riders do not have to be firefighters to participate and should come early to register. Williams said registration is $25 and all proceeds go towards upkeep of the memorial. Williams said there is also $4,000 of raffle prizes including a trip to Gatlinburg.
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