With his left arm in a sling and a smile on his face, Baldwin Fire Chief Joe Roy made his way through the crowd Saturday thanking his fellow public safety officers and supporters. “The recovery has been rough, but I am getting better every day,” Roy assured them. The scene yesterday was a far cry from where Roy was just three weeks ago.
On the morning of July 25th Roy was standing in the intersection of Duncan Bridge and Mud Creek Roads participating in a firefighter’s fundraiser boot drive when he was hit by a pick-up truck. He was life flighted to Grady Hospital in Atlanta where he underwent emergency surgery and was admitted to ICU. Many of the people who rallied around him and his family in those early uncertain hours and days were among those who turned out Saturday to support him through a benefit ride to raise money to help with his medical expenses.
The benefit was organized by City of Baldwin employees. City Administrator Tommie Perry said at the time, “Joe has dedicated himself to this community for over 20 years and we want to pay it back.”
And pay it back they did.
More than 50 motorcycle enthusiasts, friends and fellow public safety officials turned out August 15th for the ride through the North Georgia Mountains.
Perry said it could take up to six weeks before Roy is fully recovered but it appeared Saturday he is well on his way. “All of the prayers have helped me and the love and support has been overwhelming,” Roy told the crowd.
Baldwin Mayor Jerry Neace led the riders in prayer. They then revved up their engines and hit the open road. Hall County Sheriff’s Officers Ricky Nix and Mike Free led the pack as they wound their way through Cleveland, Helen and Clarkesville on their way back to Baldwin.
Saturday’s ride was just the first of a series of benefits planned to help Chief Roy and his family. The city is raffling off a Yeti 45 Cooler valued at $350 to be given away during a Chicken Q fundraiser on Saturday, August 22. Raffle tickets are $5. Chicken dinner plates are $8. For tickets, contact Joe Norton or Phillip Kimbrell at the Baldwin Fire Department at (706) 778-8711.
Ride for Chief Roy
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Baldwin, GA
Photos by A.N. Williams
Click photos to enlarge
