Carolina Brotherhood, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit made up of emergency responders and their families from North and South Carolina, cycles across the Carolinas each year on a different route to meet the families and friends of fallen responders while raising money to support them. This year, the organization rode 442 miles from Saluda, South Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina, passing through the Plateau from Brevard on Thursday, June 25.
Carolina Brotherhood aims to provide financial and emotional support by engaging with families and friends of fallen responders, listening to their stories and gaining a deeper understanding of their experiences.
This year’s trek, featuring about 30 members, honors 20 fallen responders and six fallen K9s who died in 2024.
Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department escorted the group from the Transylvania County line to the Macon County line, stopping at the Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad base for a meal along the way. The Brotherhood then rode to the Highlands Fire and Rescue base to meet with firefighters, share stories, and take a much-needed break.
“Never forget the selfless sacrifice of our first responders, our EMS, fire and police,” said Bill Suthard, superintendent of fire communications and public information for the Charlotte Fire Department. “They will literally give their life to save another life or help another person in trouble. Never underestimate that.”
Suthard said each participating member, whether a rider or support staff member, must raise a minimum of $400 to help cover food and other expenses, while t-shirt proceeds and donations go directly to the families.
“We understand what they left behind—their family—and then we travel and meet them,” said Suthard. “We’ve had family with us all week. We had dinner, sat down, learned stories, found out about any shortcomings, but mainly, the biggest thing is that the family understands they are not forgotten.”
Throughout the weeklong journey, which began June 23, Carolina Brotherhood stayed at various locations from fire department garages to middle schools, waking up as early as 5 a.m. to begin riding. The trek involved challenges along the way, with Pete Viviano, a retired firefighter out of Columbia, South Carolina, saying the hills had been the most difficult part. However, the impact of the ride and camaraderie have made it worthwhile.
“I retired in 2019 from the city of Columbia and this group really wrapped their arms around me and helped throughout that process,” said Viviano. “It’s about the families of the fallen, but it’s also about supporting each other.”
The Brotherhood concluded its journey on Saturday, June 27, riding 123 miles from Fairview, North Carolina to Charlotte and ending a week of challenging rides and meaningful interactions with the families and friends of fallen responders.
Mitch Stone is a reporter at The Highlander and can be reached at reporter@highlandsnews.com.