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Last ride with a friend

Motorcyclists and firefighters escort SV man’s family to park

By Gentry Braswell
Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Saturday, May 03, 2008 - 05:34:18 am MST

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SIERRA VISTA — Fort Huachuca Fire Department Lt. Larry Faccio was brought home Friday.

And some of his friends and colleagues were by his side.

A memorial procession for Faccio from Benson to Sierra Vista’s Veterans’ Memorial Park on Friday included more than 100 motorcycles, several fire trucks from various local agencies, and Faccio’s family in escorting the firefighter’s cremated remains.

Faccio, 48, died Sunday at University Medical Center in Las Vegas after a Saturday morning motorcycle crash on Route 1 in Mohave County, as he rode with various Arizona chapters of the Riders of Fire Motorcycle Club, coming back from Nevada’s 26th annual Laughlin River Run motorcycle rally.

(Use arrows above to view more photos)

The other driver involved in the head on, Victor Mattice, 61, died at the scene, and Mattice’s rider, Patricia Smith, 51, remains at Sunrise Medical Center in Las Vegas with serious injuries.

Riders of Fire MC Bisbee Chapter, of which Faccio was the road captain, worked with Fort Huachuca Fire Department, Faccio’s family and the Cochise County Fire Chiefs Association to organize the cavalcade, which included AirEvac and LifeNet EMS helicopters, and Fry Fire District and Sierra Vista fire trucks.

Several members of the Riders of Fire MC Bisbee chapter purchased memorial helmets and received memorial tattoos Monday in honor and remembrance their friend.

The Phoenix and Fort Mohave chapters of Riders of Fire MC also rode with the procession.

A memorial account has been created at Wells Fargo Bank to benefit Faccio’s family, Bisbee chapter President George Castillo said. Donations can be made at any branch nationwide.

A memorial party also is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. next Thursday at Buffalo Wild Wings, 205 S. Highway 92. A portion of the party’s proceeds will be dedicated to that memorial fund.

Mike Ricci, president of the Mohave County Riders of Fire MC chapter, said he primarily knew Faccio through their motorcycle brotherhood. Ricci is a Mohave County firefighter.

“We had times, we had some moments. The biggest thing I remember is he was so much taller than me — every time I gave him a hug, my face went right into his jacket,” Ricci said.

Ricci said, as Faccio spent most of his life helping others, the big turnout Friday was only appropriate in respect for their passed friend.

“We’re definitely privileged to have known him. He’ll be forever with us,” Ricci said.

Faccio joined the Fort Huachuca Fire Department in 1995 after beginning his firefighting career with the Fry Fire District in July 1989.

REPORTER Gentry Braswell can be reached at 515-4680.

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Lawrence Brown wrote on May 19, 2008 9:11 AM:

" Larry, thank you for your service. God bless. Bikers are people too, some are good some are bad. Based on the disrespectful self righteous, holier than thou, comments seen here, I'd rather be one of them than one of you. Next time you need a paramedic, ask if the person rescuing you is a biker, then do us all a favor. It's your right to refuse their services doncha know? "

RED wrote on May 18, 2008 7:01 PM:

" FOZ and his brothers took my dad to his final resting place and i was honored to ride in FOZs thank you for all you do. all i have to say about all this other stuff that is being said if you dont come to any of the runs and help sup your comm like all the bike clubs do keep quite.
RIP FOZ (ABFN)RED "

Ethan C AKA Chief wrote on May 14, 2008 9:28 PM:

" actully i have been on most runs and idk gl and put your real name do you know what would you do if it was your dad or what if you where one of the riders of fire than what and my spelling i have problems i am in spechail ed and in remidalenglish that is my brains falt not his and you are a de de de it means stupid "

DR wrote on May 14, 2008 6:37 PM:

" The topic is about Larry, and stupid people who kill nice people on the road. The road is filled with angry, careless and rude individuals. If the cops would focus on this type of driving, (and they do it too), and SV had more manpower, then it might be reduced. People in cars drink too. They aren't as obvious, woooo, watch out for the biker...woooo, he wears leather and may be drinking. I fear the person in the automobile. Talking on the cell phone is like being drunk..ever notice that?? "

Mike wrote on May 14, 2008 1:49 PM:

" This looks like it has gotten off topic, maybe time to close this one also. "

I hate to say it wrote on May 14, 2008 12:43 PM:

" Do you have any idea how much drinking goes on when you're on a poker run? Maybe YOU don't do it, but probably 80% are drinking and riding. This guy with 3x the legal limit was definitely an exception....most keep it to a few beers and thats it.

Only thing we can do is ban all guns immediately "

GL... wrote on May 14, 2008 8:07 AM:

" Chief, Seriously? Your dad did'nt teach you well enough, crack the books my friend, that spelling is bad. I'm sure when your dad is out "saving the world" on his superbike of firefighting, you are right there with him right? You have no clue what goes on with a bike run.You can stick up for these guys, but you really have no idea. "

chief wrote on May 13, 2008 6:29 PM:

" just another mom you sound like my mom cause thats what she would say "

SV Taxpayer..... wrote on May 13, 2008 10:44 AM:

" SV Taxpayer HONK is a blatant troll. His posts should be disregarded as nothing more that instigation into argument.Please ignore what he has to say
Love
Concerned "

Just another mom wrote on May 12, 2008 8:12 AM:

" Chief, I understand where you are coming from but for the most part people think you are what you represent yourself to be. Unfortunate yes, but the way that it is. If anything take a lesson from this, never put yourself in a position that someone or in this instance, alot of people think you are something you are not. If you are a good person always represent yourself as such, you can avoid issues like these. ROF are currently living with what they put out there. Unfair probably but that is how life is sometimes. "

What wrote on May 10, 2008 10:36 PM:

" Why are some ignorant people so way off of the topic, Larry was a great guy, worked with very honorable people, and firefighters are some of the most honorable people I know, only people who don't know them will spout off babble they know nothing about! "

Just a Mom wrote on May 10, 2008 5:36 PM:

" To Chief, Don't get on this bandwagon. I know you are going through a lot now. You need to take yourself to your Happy Place and find peace. You know your dad, what he was, what he did, and who he was. You don't have to answer to anyone but the man upstairs. Relax, its hurts me to see you taking up for your dad - over this rag. Surround yourself with good, positive people. Do what your dad would do,or what he would like you to do. "

chief ethan wrote on May 10, 2008 1:42 PM:

" my dad is a rider of fire and so are some of his co workers and i was tough that if i dont know what im talking about to not talk i have spent my last 17 years aroun sapposed outlaw bike clubs and just rember dont judg a book by its cover and me as i sayed you my wreck your o so much safer car some day and it may be a rider of fire that stops off duty to help because thats who thay are "

chief wrote on May 9, 2008 8:27 PM:

" me are you telling me that you are perfict im shure i could find dirt on you with your name so dont talk about my dad or any of my friends you never know when you might need them R I P FOZ think befor you speek "

chief wrote on May 9, 2008 8:15 PM:

" Me wrote on May 6, 2008 7:42 AM:

" Chief, if you cant look at that website and see that these guys do not reflect the image a firefighter should, then you need glasses.Like you would know what they do on there personal time anyway, are you in the pics? I say Larry did deserve his last ride, no doubt, but that club is anything but squeaky clean. " my dad is a rider of fire and at least he tought me right "

DR wrote on May 9, 2008 6:57 PM:

" I agree with Ric, we need to let this be about Larry, however, what happened to Larry is a tradedy and it is to my amazement that we have so many vehicle accidents, in part because people are not paying attention. That is my point, I ride a Harley and have a truck. I am equally frightened to drive my truck as well. I just hope that we can all be a lot more respectful of each other when driving. This is about Larry and other people that have died needlessly. Im just angered that I lost a friend.
"

Ric Perry wrote on May 9, 2008 8:53 AM:

" This has gone in the wrong direction. This is about LT Larry Faccio. The newpaper has "What's on your mind" and that's where your comments belong, not on this page. Go there and discuss it, not here. Let Larry rest in peace. God bless you Larry and family. Our families thoughts and prayers are with you. "

DR wrote on May 8, 2008 8:43 AM:

" Me, I was referring to the club. Re-Read! :) "

DR wrote on May 8, 2008 8:40 AM:

" I never mentioned anything about a biker on hwy 90. I do know that people in cars use the excuse " I didn't see him". The fact is people aren't paying attention. Or they don't care. However MOST bike accidents are with a car! Stop reading the liberal newspapers that don't tell the truth about the facts. Some clubs offer to let people ride with them. Since I'm not a club member, and I'm riding with them, does that make me "outlaw"? Im a taxpayer too! Thank you! "

SAHR supporter wrote on May 8, 2008 7:47 AM:

" I have been around SAHR for many many years as well as several other MC clubs in this town during some of the runs. Regardless of what people think about clubs, they are not all outlaws and roughnecks. Generalized assumptions make fools out of many. These clubs contribute so much to the community. Most of their runs are fund raising events. Yes the issue of safety is a concern, but safety is a concern in just about activity. Just because you dont support something does not mean you need to bash it. "

SV Taxpayer H.O.N.K. wrote on May 8, 2008 7:19 AM:

" DR: Dont know what you are talking about do you? Your biker on 90 was drunk. "

Me wrote on May 7, 2008 3:12 PM:

" Please stop blaming 4 wheelers, the last 2 fatalities weve had in the area were caused by either another bike, or driver error. And quit generalizing the statements, nobody said all bikers are outlaws, READ, people are referring to the club. "

Dan wrote on May 7, 2008 1:56 AM:

" Such a shame, god bless the family of the accident victim, I have grat respect for firefighters and anyone who's job it is to put their life on the line to protect others, people need to focus on the road and not be easily distracted by phones and such things. I am stationed in Italy and there is mopeds everywhere, I never even listen to the radio too loudly it's really easy to get distracted and not see them, even when you think you are 100% focused. "

DR wrote on May 6, 2008 3:33 PM:

" Back to the issue of safety. Bikers are not riding using cell phones or putting on make up, or watching a dvd movie while riding. They are safety conscious. They know where they are in the road. Yes some ride irresponsibly. Some are 1 percenters.
A crash on a bike is usually horrific. And in most cases, a car pulled out in front of them. Why is a car usually in a bike accident? I don't know but the excuse I keep hearing, "I didn't see them is getting old! "

Suzi Q wrote on May 6, 2008 2:57 PM:

" TO: Larry's family and friends may God be with you and give you strengh through this difficult time (BNF). Why do some people think because we ride a motorcycle that we are all outlaws? It is just not true many of us riders give back to our community all the time and help were help is needed. I can't beleive how much discrimmination is still out there toward us. If everyone gave back to the community like the bikers do this would be a much better place to live. SAHR, MC "

Rob Grubb wrote on May 6, 2008 12:35 PM:

" God Bless Larry and his family...
Some of you people should be ashamed. For you to feel like these post areas are your personal hiding place to bash who ever you want and hide behind a screen name is cowardly. If you know the people you so readily bash then maybe you should tell them personally. If you don't know them, then don't judge. This article is about a man who is no longer with us, it is not about what he did on his personal time. We all live in a glass house...
"

Sv Resident wrote on May 6, 2008 12:23 PM:

" I have looked at the Riders of Fire site and it seems to me what they do on there off duty time is having some fun. I am sure everyone cuts loose and gets a little wild at times. these guys have alot of stress in there lifes and having a little time and getting wild I see no harm in that. I am sure every professional has a dark side. I seen cops motorcycles club web sites that have cops drinking and next to nude woman and acting wild as well so get over it "

DR wrote on May 6, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Do you know that bikers hold more charity events and donate more money that any other organization? Do you also know that outlaw bikers make up 1% of the bikers out there? If you think ROF is outlaw then that is absurd. Why would they wear that patch and risk their careers, freedom and family? Helmets? Maybe he should have worn one. Maybe we all should be safe; all the time. We have those in cars who are not paying attention to what is going on around them. They are a bigger threat to my safety every day. "

Me wrote on May 6, 2008 7:42 AM:

" Chief, if you cant look at that website and see that these guys do not reflect the image a firefighter should, then you need glasses.Like you would know what they do on there personal time anyway, are you in the pics? I say Larry did deserve his last ride, no doubt, but that club is anything but squeaky clean. "

chief wrote on May 5, 2008 5:42 PM:

" SV Resident you should look again and think about what your talking about in reffrence to SV Resident wrote on May 3, 2008 9:21 AM: " I checked out Riders of Fire on the web. Seems as though they are associated with outlaw motorcycle clubs. Why would fire departments allow their personnel to affiliate with them. So much for being a hero! Looks like there is a dark side to some of our firefighters. " "

FireFighters Wife wrote on May 5, 2008 9:56 AM:

" We knew Larry, and he truly did have a generous and good at heart. I feel for his family, and so many people will never know what they missed by never knowing him. He did deserve this last ride, nothing can compare to a fire fighters dedication and courage. No one knows what guys like Lary have gone through in his chosen profession, and no, there is no greater bond than the fire fighters share, as they depend on each other for everything, and Larry's shoes will be impossible to fill for the kind of dedication he exhibited! "

Riders of Fire Daughter wrote on May 5, 2008 9:46 AM:

" Everyone has so many negative things to say about the riders of fire club and how Larry had passed.He died doing something he enjoyed to do which was ride. The rider of fire motorcycle club is NOT an outlaw club.They are family oriented.They treat eachother as family and bring their family in as well.It's a brother-hood for the guys that ride together and in general is a huge family.I disagree with everyone who thinks they are outlaws because the boys you call outlaw are firemen they put their life on the line for YOU everday.REMEMBER that! "

FH Fire Chief wrote on May 4, 2008 8:31 PM:

" To all involved in honoring FH Fire Lt.Larry Faccio-Thank you. He was and will continue to be a hero! Those he worked with loved him, those he served appreciated him and those he followed, he made our job easier! To those who never knew him, you missed out on something special. He loved his country/community, he loved his family, he loved his friends and he loved being a firefighter. Larry-thanks and we (FH Fire) miss you! Chief Baylor "

Roxy wrote on May 4, 2008 6:01 PM:

" I married a firefighter and could not be prouder of any firefighter that willingly puts his/her life on the line for us. It ABSOLUTELY does not matter how a firefighter loses his/her life, their courage and dedication to others deserves to be celebrated and honored. Being a firefighter is being a part of a family. They show their love for a fallen brother in a way we may never understand, but we can certainly admire. Larry was a WONDERFUL person and deserved the BEST procession in the world. God Bless those who participated. "

Also a Rider wrote on May 4, 2008 5:00 PM:

" No offense,But the website shows misuse of firearms, drinking, flipping the bird and a general we think we are tough attitude. What else is anyone to think? I see no family, nothing to do with firefighting,so please get off your high horse of morals and public service. Everyone knows that firefighters do an important job,So do a million other people, but your site shows recklessness. I dont think you are outlaws, just people making bad choices.This has nothing to do with Larry, RIP...... "

To RRA wrote on May 4, 2008 12:17 PM:

" Apparently you know nothing about the service a firefighter, police officer, or any other EMS banch does for the community. Unlike you, they can never just take a vacation, have a family day. Why? Because they will ALWAYS be looking for someone who is hurt or in need of assistance. An accident in BFE, they can always be counted on to stop and give assistance. So be cozy in your own little world, without having the knowledge that should you ever see someone in need. You don't feel the ethical urge to stop and help. You can drive right by. "

Rider of Fire Scratch wrote on May 4, 2008 10:44 AM:

" Outlaws? I am sure we all have freinds or relatives that speed, drink and drive, do drugs, or steal from Wal Mart, does that mean you are no longer a part of their lives? What makes us all who we are is the ability to tell right from wrong and making our own judgements. WE are a tight knit group of freinds who enjoy riding together, playing together, and watching our children become good, hard working, honest adults from the examples that we set in our daily lives. Outlaws? HAHA "

Rider of Fire wrote on May 4, 2008 10:37 AM:

" Thank you all for your comments on the way Larry touched you and the effect he had on your lives. For the community in whole, we lost a great man. For those of you that think that the "procession" was a waste of taxpayers money, maybe now is a good time to tell you that a few years ago, Larry won an award from the Department of Defense "DOD Firefighter of the Year" for selflishly putting himself in harms way and saving the life of a young boy. Was the money spent on that award a waste too? "

Geo. Castillo wrote on May 4, 2008 10:35 AM:

" first to the person that wrote about Larry (FOZ) Faccio about him and the Riders of Fire MC being a outlaw motorcycle club you need to do your homework here. The Riders of Fire MC is not a outlaw motorcycle club. Were a Firefighter Brotherhood that you will never understand. its about supporting other clubs and motorcyclist. I am sure if your family was hurt or in a accident and were riding by and stopped to help you would think different. about us. Larry was a hero to us and his family. please respect that. "

Frank Rizzo Sakich wrote on May 4, 2008 9:51 AM:

" Long long time SV resident I couldn't have said it any better myself. And to SV resident you are the only idiot that has left something negative to say in any of the articles about Larry. It is obvious you know nothing about Larry or the kind of person he was. Larry would never and has never hurt a soul. Keep your ignorant comments to yourself unless you know what the heck you are talking about. The world needs a bunch of Larry Faccio's around and that's all I have to say!!! "

R.O.F. Wife wrote on May 4, 2008 9:07 AM:

" The homecoming for Larry was beautiful.The look on his family and friends faces was well worth all of it! There is nothing to be frowned at for what we did for Larry, I feel sorry for the people who don't understand the brotherhood and love that this club has. There is nothing "outlaw" about these fathers, husbands, sons, and great friends.

It's funny to those who knew our FOZ, I know he had a good laugh at all those people "interrupted" in traffic.... "

E-Rider wrote on May 4, 2008 8:30 AM:

" As a rider in the escort I would like the thank the people on the side of the road honoring him. It was a real honor. Thank you. For those that complained, we only hope that you are not in a situation where you can get ignored or disrespected. "

KEB wrote on May 4, 2008 7:54 AM:

" RRA-I am truly sorry that you do not understand the emergency responder family. This was not just for Larry and his family but for those who serve this community (firefighters/police) and worked with Larry. This was a small price paid compared to what is paid each and everyday by emergency responders that risk their lives. You may learn this one day if you ever need their service. I worked with Larry and he loved the community and gave much more to it than what was spend for this procession. Thanks Larry, we miss you! "

allthingsaside wrote on May 4, 2008 7:53 AM:

" Thank You Lt. and to all firefighters/EMS and law enforcement who put their lives on the line daily for everyone (taxpayers included). Lt. Faccio and family deserves the respect and recognition they got. Be kind and remember that one day you may need emergency services which will be provided without any hesitation or JUDGEMENT... "

To all the negatives wrote on May 4, 2008 12:08 AM:

" It seems to me this man had a passion for motorcycles, for all the research it's not how he died it's how he lived his life. A firefighter is on duty 24hrs a day. Seems to me his public service is commendable and his reputation is above any "outlaw" MC. Check out these Biker Vet org.s they may not refer to themselves as MC but they sure as heck allow "outlaw" members. This man was an asset to our community and his memory wil forever be honored. I don't care about the cost!! Peace and comfort to his family. "

Long long time SV resident wrote on May 3, 2008 5:38 PM:

" I have a problem with people that put money before "LIFE" rra.Get your head out of the sand or where ever you have it?If you were on the side of the road after an accident and LT Faccio(off duty)stop to help, would refuse because he was off duty? I consider what you have as "misuse" of a brain. As for "SV resident" your head is in the same place as rrs. If this was your son would you have wrote the same thing? Get some air. "

Brewster wrote on May 3, 2008 3:44 PM:

" SV Resident: In this country, fire departments (and other organizations) are compelled to "allow" their personnel to affiliate with anyone they choose. There is nothing illegal about the Riders of Fire. Could you possibly comment on anything with any more ignorance than you've already displayed? "

RRA wrote on May 3, 2008 3:32 PM:

" As wrote yesterday _ I am deeply moved by the death of anyone especially fire fighters and policemen who put themelves in harms way for out saftery - BUT - this person did not die in the "line of duty" and I have a problem with expending our tax dollors using police cars AND the two helicopters used for search and rescue and medical evac to shaddow the prosession - not to mention holding up traffic. Seems trivial and I not dis-respecting the firefighter but I consider this a misuse of public funds. "

DanG wrote on May 3, 2008 12:36 PM:

" I did not know Larry Faccio in life but it was an honor to ride in the motorcade that accompanied his last ride into Sierra Vista. I know motorcade interrupted traffic and it was truly amazing to see the oncoming traffic pull over and render honors as well. 99.99% of the people that pulled over did not know Larry Faccio but they recognized the value of men like Larry and the duty they perform. Again it was my honor to accompany Larry home. "

Ric Perry wrote on May 3, 2008 12:21 PM:

" Please don't start on the helmet issue. This isn't about helmets, it's about a memorial for LT Faccio. Thank you for all you've done.
God Speed Larry, you'll be missed! "

To SV Honker wrote on May 3, 2008 10:27 AM:

" He wasn't the lead biker. "

SV Resident wrote on May 3, 2008 9:21 AM:

" I checked out Riders of Fire on the web. Seems as though they are associated with outlaw motorcycle clubs. Why would fire departments allow their personnel to affiliate with them. So much for being a hero! Looks like there is a dark side to some of our firefighters. "

What wrote on May 3, 2008 9:03 AM:

" It was really cool to see LT Faccio's helmet on the dash of FT Huachuca's Engine. As they pulled into the park and his family got out with Faccio, it was a very fitting last ride. "

SV Taxpayer H.O.N.K. wrote on May 3, 2008 7:01 AM:

" The leading biker in the photo should of been wearing a helmet. Please be safe. "

Dell Vegas Sunderland wrote on May 3, 2008 6:19 AM:

" I just wanted to express our deepest sorrow for the passing of Lt. Larry Faccio. It was an honor to escort and bring a local hero back home. As a fellow law enforcement motorcycle club member, the support from the community was incredible and to see the community show their respect was very overwelming. "

Scooter Trash wrote on May 3, 2008 6:16 AM:

" The perfect way to pay our respects to a fallen brother. I was proud to be able to help escort Foz home. According to one of the people lining Fry Blvd, as we came into town, the bike count was 317. "