The Texas Brotherhood Ride returned in September, uniting first responders from across the state to pay tribute to colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty. The 2025 ride took place from September 7 through September 13, covering more than 600 miles from Lubbock to Houston. Riders cycled an average of 80 to 100 miles per day, visiting communities along the way to honor the memories of fallen heroes and show support to their families.
The Beginning
The Texas Brotherhood Ride was founded in 2014 as part of the national Brotherhood Ride movement that began in 2007 after nine firefighters lost their lives in a warehouse fire in Charleston, SC. The lost firefighters were dubbed the “Charleston Nine” and inspired Jeff Morse to find a way to commemorate their sacrifice. His desire to honor those nine grew into a nationwide movement. Jeff Morse says that it’s more than honoring those fallen heroes. It’s about letting the families of every service man and woman, who has ever lost their life in the line of duty, know that they will never be forgotten.
The Brotherhood Ride is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to honoring first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Riders—all of whom must be first responders using either a road or triathlon bike—cycle hundreds of miles across Texas each year, passing through the towns and communities where the fallen lived or where their deaths occurred. Along the way, they meet with families, coworkers, and local residents, holding tributes that carry the message that “Texas Never Forgets.” Support personnel, divided into full- and part-time roles, form the backbone of the ride by managing logistics and ensuring the success of the journey. Guided by the words Honor | Dedication | Pride, the ride serves as both a moving memorial and a reminder to families that their loved ones are never forgotten.
Participation is limited, and once rider and support positions are filled, a waitlist is created. Those wishing to join or honor a loved one can contact the organization at [email protected]. Funding for the ride comes through donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events, with riders often contributing by raising awareness in their own communities. After essential operating expenses are covered, the proceeds go directly to the families of the fallen heroes being honored that year, providing both financial and emotional support. By carrying the names of the fallen across Texas, the Brotherhood Ride ensures their service and sacrifice continue to be remembered with every mile.
In 2025, thirteen fallen first responders were remembered during the journey:
- Matt Dawson – Lubbock Fire Department
- David Hill – Lubbock Fire Department
- Nicholas Reyna – Lubbock Police Department
- Mark Butler – Navasota Police Department
- Katherine Hutson – Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office
- Charles Rivette – Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
- Corby McKenzie – South Montgomery County Fire Department
- Kevin Ramirez-Vasquez – Texas Department of Public Safety, State Trooper
- Fernando Esqueda – Harris County Sheriff’s Office
- John Coddou III – Harris County Sheriff’s Office
- Bryan Sweetman – Harris County Sheriff’s Office
- Ronald Bates – Harris County Sheriff’s Office
- Marcelo Garcia – Houston Fire Department
How to Support the Mission
The Texas Brotherhood Ride depends on the generosity of communities across the state. Individuals and businesses can contribute by making donations, sponsoring riders, or providing assistance during the event. Every gift helps ensure that the memory of fallen first responders is carried forward and that their families receive the support they deserve. To learn more or to get involved in the next ride, email [email protected].
