Gulf Coast Brotherhood Ride passes through county

Lawrence County emergency responders escorted cyclists participating in the Gulf Coast Brotherhood Ride as they passed through the county Oct. 5 to honor fallen emergency responders. In addition to remembering the sacrifices made, riders also raise funds along the way for families of those they are riding for. This year’s Brotherhood ride began Monday in Sumrall, turned south, continued into Louisiana at I-55, will cross the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and end in Mobile. The ride will cover over 400 miles and is expected to conclude Oct. 9. This year, the ride is dedicated to 12 fallen heroes, including some from this area. The list included Brookhaven Police officers James Kevin White and Walter Zachery Moak, Lincoln County deputy Donald William Durr, and Sumrall volunteer firemen Clinton Alvin Beasley and Loretta A. “Lorrie” Sykes. Local first responders who escorted the group across the county on Highway 84 Monday included MHP officer Jay Bass, Lawrence County Undersheriff Brad McLendon, Monticello fireman Will Boyd, and Lawrence County Fire Coordinator Donnie Weeks. The group has a website, gulfcoastbrotherhoodride.com, and is accepting donations for the families of the fallen heroes.