East Texas bikers rally to keep positive image
Published 9:17 am Thursday, May 21, 2015
TYLER/WACO (KYTX)-The investigation continues into the deadly shootout between motorcyclists in Waco on Sunday.The concern now turns to the funerals of the nine killed and more trouble that could happen there. Other bikers don’t want the actions of some to reflect on the whole motorcycling community, though.
“I’m still proud of my patch, my colors,” Randy Liedtke said.
Randy Liedtke is the Texas president for Brother’s Keepers Motorcycle Club. The group isn’t your typical motorcycle club, it’s a group of firefighters aiming to raise money for children who have been burned in fires.
“You can do a whole lot of good things but it only takes one uh oh like this and that’s what stays in their minds, and that’s what people see unfortunately,” Liedtke said.
He’s talking about the deadly shootout between motorcycle groups in Waco on Sunday. Of the one hundred and seventy people involved in the brawl, none are part of the Brother’s Keepers group, but Liedtke knows this is still going to affect him and the sport he loves.
“It sets us back as far as what people think about the motorcycle community. It’s a setback for everyone involved and it’s heartbreaking. It’s a tragic thing for everyone involved,” Liedtke said.
Tragic, but eye opening for many people including those at the Smith County Sheriff’s Department.
“At times like this, law enforcement agencies are really good at sharing information. We don’t expect anything like that here but we’d be foolish not to prepare and keep vigilant on the lookout,” Lt.. Gary Middleton said.
This setback isn’t going to stop the Brother’s Keepers from doing what they love, but it will make them work harder to show people who they really are.
“It’s going to effect the biker community no doubt, but we are going to work very hard to continue what we’ve always done and that is making a difference in children’s lives,” Liedtke said.
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