06/25/2024
Charles Swank Memorial Ride this weekend! Who was Charles? I am writing on behalf of a professional firefighter motorcycle club here in Ohio that is coordinating a motorcycle ride, along with American Legion Riders Post 535 in Bellville, in honor of a local fallen firefighter Charles Swank. Charles passed away from a heart attack in the line of duty while at intense fire training last year.
Charles spent his life serving as a firefighter at the Mount Vernon, Fredericktown and Washington Twp. Dublin Fire Departments and volunteered during 9/11 to serve his country and was awarded a bronze star. He is also a decorated combat veteran of the US Army 82nd airborne. Charles was the founding member of the motorcycle club called The Leatherheads Mid-Ohio Chapter and American Legion Riders Post 535 in Bellville.
His community meant everything to him, and he loved giving back. He was a coach for football and wrestling at Clear Fork and worked tirelessly to upgrade the equipment. While Charles left this world way too early, he had one project that was unfinished. Charles had a passion for the strength and conditioning of student athletes as he knew how important that is for high school sports and for the athlete’s health and safety. As a 2002 Clear Fork High School graduate, which is also the year his firefighting father died in the line of duty as well, his dream was to build a strength and conditioning athletic facility for the students and began to lay the foundation for his work when life stopped. As Charles was the founding member of The Leatherheads Motorcycle Club Mid-Ohio Chapter 6, our club felt it was important to do something to honor Charles and his legacy.
We are coordinating a motorcycle event for June 29, 2024, and are seeking help from our community. A HUGE THANK YOU to our local sponsors.