By Ron Cox

More than 100 riders and passengers registered at Ft.Myers H-D to ride in the 8th Annual Pat Healey Poker Run hosted by the Lee County Chapter of the Defenders M/C. Despite some early morning scattered rain showers which undoubtedly cut into the attendance, the riders/passengers made several stops around Lee County including the “World Famous” Buckingham Bar, MacDaddy’s and Millers Ft.Myers Ale House before ending up at The Sandy Parrot.

In 2004 Deputy Pat Healey was off duty when he observed and apprehended a driver operating his car erratically. In the ensuing scuffle, Deputy Healey suffered a heart attack and succumbed a few days later. In Deputy Healey’s honor, his coworkers and friends organize this ride.

The run raised more than $1,900 and will be donated to the Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund, a fund that provides financial relief for first responders and/or family members. There will also be a special donation made to The Walk for the Fallen. The Defenders motto is “A Brotherhood of One” and this memorial ride certainly exemplifies that.

Ft.Myers Harley-Davidson donated all of the gift cards ($250, $100 & $50) for the Best, 2nd Best and Worst hand. Diane Burkle was especially grateful as her full house of Aces over Queens won her the top prize.

The Defenders Motorcycle Club is a fraternal motorcycle club for active and retired law enforcement, emergency services, military and public safety professionals.