Ride for Life

Keith Kahler Photo ©

The Ride for Life First Responder Poker Run was held on July 14th, 2018 and hosted by Dirty Dogs Roadhouse and Wrigleys Chicago Bar & Grill in Golden. Denver Fire Department, West Metro Fire Rescue & Golden Fire Department were also on hand. The ride was in memory of Denver Fire Department Lieutenant & PIO A.A. “Tex” Wharton, who took his life in July of 1994. All proceeds for the run are put towards taking care of the mental wellness of first responders. Firefighters Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) data shows that we lose a firefighter or EMS member every 2.9 days. In 2015 & 2016 there were more firefighter suicides than in the line of duty. FBHA is the only organization in the United States that tracks and validates this information. More info at Foundation 1023. Information provided by Brandee Wharton.