Second Annual Firehouse Ride Benefits Hook & Ladder

By Kendra Bobowick

Streaks of chrome caught the sun as it broke through an overcast sky on September 25, where roughly 50 motorcycles rumbled down Main Street at 11 am for the 2011 Firehouse Ride & Pig Roast.

Benefiting the Newtown Hook & Ladder Co. #1 in its effort to raise funds for a new firehouse, the second annual event saw motorcycle riders, supporters, and participants turn out for the ride and pig roast at the One Eyed Pig bar and restaurant Sunday. “It was awesome. We had a great turnout,” said Hook & Ladder member Rob Manna.

The turnout was “a little better than last year,” as guests and riders attended the afternoon’s lunch, with live music by Crystal Pyramid, and enjoyed raffles and prizes throughout the afternoon. “We’ll continue this annually,” he said. “Everyone had a good time.”

Stopping for lunch and selecting several winning raffle tickets was First Selectman Pat Llodra. “I always like these events, the feel of them,” she said, admiring that the various town fire company members “came together” in support of the Hook & Ladder company, she said. All the town’s fire companies engage in fundraising, she said. Speaking of all of Newtown’s volunteer firefighters, she said, “We’re lucky to have them and we are lucky they do what they do. I think the community realizes that they put themselves out there for our protection.”

Working at the ride that morning selling tickets and T-shirts were firefighters and volunteers Emily Anastasio, Chris Gindraux, and Ricky Camejo, who welcomed participants.

On the ride for the first time this year were Melissa Yitts and her father Lou, JoAnn Maude, and Nancy and Chris Portolese. They all agreed that they liked the cause, and the band playing at the bar that afternoon. The Yittses from Shelton felt it was a nice day for a ride.

Local resident Gary Gilroy got on his motorcycle again this year to enjoy the ride and the company. Lorri and Charlie Hilton came out for the ride after they saw the banner in town and agreed, “We absolutely support this; we try to do all the benefit rides.” Ms Hilton said, “It’s good to support our town and the firefighters.”

Mark and Betsy Streck of Newtown had not been able to attend last year’s first firehouse ride, and were happy to hop on their Harley this year. Young Robert Mas sat behind his father, nestled in a helmet, and turned to listen as Newtown Hook & Ladder Fire Co. #1 President Rick Camejo thanked the riders who were about to begin a 40-mile scenic route through Newtown, Brookfield, Bridgewater, Roxbury, and Southbury.

Joining the ride again this year was bar own Bill Piccirillo, while his business partner Jay Daly coordinated the pig roast and entertainment. Mr Piccirillo stood with Karen Tuller minutes before the ride began, while across the lot, guest Ron Eastwood spoke with friends, Minutes later engines started and riders soon sped from the lot with the help of a Newtown Police Department escort, waving the cluster of bikes through intersection headed out of town.