Red Knights Host First-Ever Jay Arno Memorial Ride

CLARENCE, N.Y. (WKBW) — Motorcyclists gathered to support Jay Arno’s family on Sunday morning, with American flags flying, engines roaring and a huge crowd cheering.

“We have people all the way to Barker,” said Nolin Jackson, president of Red Knights Chapter 47. “There are a lot of EMS and first responders in the area, so it was great to see all the people who came from all over to show their support.”

The Red Knights is a motorcycle club made up of current and former firefighters. The local department was going to go for a ride and thought it would be a good idea to support the Firefighter Arno Memorial Foundation.

The cyclists met at the Clarence Fire Company and hit the road.

“Not all cyclists are bad. We’re here to do good for the community,” Jackson said. “Everything we do is a charitable mission, we try to give back so that when they see us on the course, they know we’re doing good too.”

They expected people to come out and support, but they didn’t expect such a large crowd. They credit the person who was Jay Arno for the big turnout.

“His smile was incredible,” said Ruth Rider-Work, a New York state EMS instructor who trained Arno. “He was always happy to be there and always a pleasure to be around, so you can’t forget him.”