ROCKINGHAM — Six Richmond County motorcycle groups are coming together to help first responders replace stolen and damaged equipment.
The Rockingham Rescue Squad Benefit Ride and Fun Day, scheduled for July 28, was organized not long after the squad’s base was broken into and the crash truck was stolen. It was later found burned in Anson County.
A flyer for the ride lists involvement by Steel Wheels Riding Club, Ol Skool Tribe Riding Club, Ghost Riders Motorcycle Club, Playaz Elite Motorcycle Club, Carolina’s Finest Motorcycle Club and Independent Riders of Richmond County.
The effort was led by Steel Wheels, whose member Mike Stokes is also on the rescue squad.
“We started this club back up to support anyone in need,” said Steel Wheels’ Joey Bostick. “So what better way is there to help an organization like the rescue squad that helps others.”
Volunteer Chief Scott Waters said the squad gets some money from the county each year, which mostly covers insurance. The rest of the squad’s cash flow comes from fundraisers and grants.
The truck that was lost cost $50,000 when it was purchased — using a 50/50 matching grant from the Office of the State Fire Marshal — in 2008. A search of similar vehicles reveals the cost would be about the same to replace it.
The rescue squad will also have to replace equipment and make repairs to the building from the break-in.
In addition to the ride, the fundraiser will also include a fish fry, corn hole tournament and live music from Dark Horse Duo.
Registration will be at 12:30 at an entry fee of $20 per bike, which includes a fish plate, and kickstands will go up at 2.
Bostick said he hopes to have the route finalized in a few days.
Donations should be made payable to Rockingham Rescue Squad.
For more information, contact Bostick at 910-417-9537 or Stokes at 910-387-3398.
Recent rides over the past several months raised $5,000 for both Sandhills Children’s Center and Richmond County Hospice, and $9,000 for Richmond County Special Olympics.
Adrenaline Pro Wrestling, which has held shows at the station since early 2018 — including this past Saturday night — is also planning a special event to benefit the squad.
The event, scheduled for Sept. 18, will feature eight matches from four promotions including APW, according to a recent Facebook post.
“It’s nice of them to step up and do something to help us,” Waters told the RO earlier this week.
