Excerpts from DNAinfo.com:
It seems only appropriate that the emblem for the Chicago Axemen be surrounded by flames. After all, the motorcycle club is almost entirely composed of area firemen.
The Axemen will host an Octoberfest fundraiser from noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 29 at O’Rourke’s Office in Morgan Park. The event last year raised $7,000 for the Gold Badge Society of Chicago, which supports families of fallen firefighters.
It costs $10 to attend the benefit at 11064 S. Western Ave., and this time the proceeds support the Ignite the Spirit Fund. About 150 people are expected, according to Larry Anoman, also known as Dog. He is president of the inaugural Illinois chapter of the Axemen. The upcoming fundraiser aims to help the families of firefighters in need. The chapter also hosts an annual birthday party to raise money for charity.
Anoman’s chapter has about 20 members. All club members must own a motorcycle, and 80 percent of the club is required to be made up of active or retired union firefighters. Other members tend to be nonunion firefighters and other biker buddies.
The group gathers to ride for charity events almost every weekend. Often, they ride to support fundraisers held by surrounding Axemen chapters or charities that speak to the group’s overall mission to help the less fortunate, police officers and firefighters, veterans, and others, Anoman said.
Among the frequent rides this summer was a trip to the Original Island Shrimp House in south suburban Palos Park. These monthly cruise nights raised money for the Ende, Menzer, Walsh & Quinn Retirees’, Widows’ and Children’s Assistance Fund, which provides financial support to widows and orphans of the Chicago Fire Department members.
Anoman’s group was the first in the state to align with the Axemen in 2008. The Axemen’s national club was founded March 1, 1998, in Detroit. There are now four Illinois chapters — 27 overall in 11 states, according to Anoman, a Morgan Park resident.
Axemen from Detroit showed up in force for a 2001 fundraiser for the family of Lt. Scott Gillen, who was killed after being struck by a car on the Bishop Ford Expy. The 14-year fire department veteran was married and had five daughters.
thanks Dan
