Eighmie Memorial Ride To Honor Late Couples Legacy

STAMFORD – On Saturday, Sept. 22, members of the Stamford Fire Department will host a motorcycle run with the Red Knights New York 49 Chapter to honor a couple who were members of the local fire department and active members of  Knights. Scott and Nancy Eighmie enjoyed the Harley trike with the big red bow that was being reserved for them at an Albany area motorcycle dealership. A picture taken of the couple shows Scott's smile couldn't get any broader and there was Nancy right behind him, smiling as well(see photo above). 

Ken Muthig, of Hobart, and his wife, Donna, are active firefighters in the Hobart Fire Department, which is a mutual aid department to Stamford. They were good friends of the Eighmies. Ken is also president of the Red Knights NewYork 49 Chapter. The Sept. 22 ride is to honor Scott and Nancy's legacy. "We haven't decided yet if it will become an annual ride or not," said Muthig.

The Red Knights are firefighters or former firefighters who have a valid motorcycle license. It's a special group and they join with other groups for various fundraising rides. Muthig said they receive a lot of support from fellow riders, such as the Legion Riders and the Non-Knights group.

Scott kept talking about it, said Muthig. One day, Scott took Ken's trike for a ride and he was hooked.  He went shopping for a bike and found a used one.  He asked Muthig to go with him to look at it.  Muthig said he talked him into buying a new one. "I told him he didn't want to buy somebody else's headache." 

From then on, said Muthig, they rode every chance they got. Almost every Sunday they would ride somewhere when the weather was nice. "It was good for us all, because it got us out to enjoy a ride and we went places and did stuff," said Muthig. He recalls the fun they all had, riding with the club and on their own. Donna Muthig carries a photo of the Eighmies, so they continue to ride with them.

Sadly, Nancy passed last October after a battle with cancer and Scott passed the previous December from injuries he received in an accident. They are missed by both organizations and Saturday's ride is being held in their memory.  Scott was also a member of the Delaware County Fire Police Association.

The ride will start and end at the Stamford Fire Department, 111 Main St., Stamford. All of the proceeds will go to the Ronald McDonald House, an organization that held a special place in their hearts. "It was something they always wanted to do, so we are going to honor that legacy," said Muthig

Registration runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.. at the Stamford Fire House, with kick stands going up at 11 a.m.. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 22. The ride will stop at fire departments throughout Delaware County and return to the Stamford Fire Department where a meal will be available. The cost is $20 per rider and $10 per passenger.

Muthig said the event is open to anyone and you don't need a bike or be a firefighter. You can drive a car, or whatever, to participate. "It's just a fun ride," he said.