MANHATTAN, NY - On September 15th, fire and police marine units escorted FDNY Marine 1 (“Three Forty Three”) from lower Manhattan to a park in Elizabeth. Marine 1 was transporting participants of the FDNY 343 Mile a Man Bike Ride.

The group's 10th annual run traveled from Montauk, N.Y., to Washington, D.C. Members raise money for wounded soldiers returning home from war who have sustained serious injuries in the line of duty. Since the ride started, over $1.2 million has been raised. The funding goes towards all terrain wheel chairs, service dogs, medical bills, housing and numerous other expenses.

Marine units that provided the “343” with an escort were: NYPD Harbor, NJ State Police Marine Division, North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue Marine 1, Carteret F.D., Bayonne F.D. and Port Reading F.D.

Before the bikers left New Jersey, they received a $500.00 donation from the New Jersey Deputy & Battalion Fire Chief's Association.

After the park ceremony, Elizabeth EMT Andreea Wirkus and EMS Supervisor Jason Hamilton escorted the bicycle riders from their city to Toms River.