Bikers will hold event for injured Fresno firefighter | Sierra Star

The Coarsegold-based motorcycle club Sierra Shadow Casters will host a “poker run” June 6 for critically injured Capt. Pete Dern of the Fresno Fire Department.

The 75-mile ride, endorsed by Fresno Firefighters Local 753, is expected to draw hundreds of riders from the Central Valley and Mountain Area as well as other cities throughout California. Riders will leave the Starbucks at River View Shopping Center in North Fresno and make several card draw stops along the way including Gulino’s Fruits , Nuts and Vegetables, Coarsegold Historic Village, the Pines Resort in Bass Lake, North Fork’s Buckhorn Saloon, and finally The Roadhouse in Friant.

At The Roadhouse, riders will be served a tri-tip lunch, along with entertainment, and a huge raffle including a 55-inch LCD Smart TV donated by Sam’s Club.

“While there have been many wonderful community fundraising events for Captain Dern, we hope to show him and all firefighters how much the biker community appreciates their tireless efforts to protect our families,” said Sierra Shadow Casters Public Affairs Officer Paul Hall. “I don’t know if I would walk on the roof of a burning building,” Hall added, “but I will certainly go on a motorcycle ride to support someone who does.”

The motorcycle club is reaching out to anyone who rides a motorcycle in hopes of raising several thousand dollars for Captain Dern who was critically injured while venting a roof on a Fresno house fire in late March. The 49-year-old Captain Dern fell through a collapsed roof into a burning garage. Within minutes he was rescued but not without sustaining 2nd and 3rd degree burns to over 65% of his body. Captain Dern is still undergoing treatment in the Burn unit at Fresno Community Regional Medical Center with a very long road ahead of him.

Bikers who wish to take part in this charitable ride are encouraged to pre-register at www.sierrashadowcasters.com Registration fees are tax deductible.

Details: Paul Hall, (559) 660-6640, paul@sierrashadowcasters.com.

- Sierra Shadow Casters