Motorcycle Poker Run Held for Patty Parete

Buffalo, NY -The ride was a fundraiser for Buffalo Police Officer Patricia Parete, who was shot in the line of duty last December 5 in downtown Buffalo.

(August 19, 2007) - - It's been about eight months since Buffalo Police Officer Patty Parete was shot in the line of duty. Sunday, her friends and complete strangers came together to raise money. They began the day with a motorcycle poker run. News 4's Rob Macko reports.

Motorcycle riders revved up their engines at American Harley-Davidson in North Tonawanda for the 67-mile poker run through Niagara and Erie Counties.

The ride was a fundraiser for Buffalo Police Officer Patricia Parete, who was shot in the line of duty last December 5 in downtown Buffalo.

Mary Grace Schmidt said, "The weather's great, and we're just hoping to raise a lot of money today."

Lisa Norman said, "I definitely wanted to make it today; in fact, I took off today, sorry boss, so I could ride for Patty."

Parete was paralyzed from the neck down and is recovering at a New Jersey rehabiliation center.

A family spokesperson says she's regained some use of her upper arm muscles.

The money raised today will help pay for some of Parete's needs when she returns home to Buffalo.

Roe Cieri, Patty's friend, said, "She's hanging in there. She's a fighter. She's doing well. She's looking forward to coming home, and we're backing her 100 percent."

The poker run was a perfect way to honor patty, because she loves riding motorcycles.

Mike Welch of the Niagara Falls Harley Owners Group said, "I really would like to see her again next summer, riding her bike, I think it's going to be possible, based on the reports that I'm hearing; she's getting better day in and day out."

Patty's partner, Carl Andolina, who was also shot and wounded during the december incident, was at the poker run to thank the more than 400 riders and the police officers who escorted them.

He wasn't able to ride because he's recovering from a motorcycle accident last month.

Andolina said, "This really helps with her mental aspect, knowing people haven't forgotten about her, and people are still supporting her and thinking about her. It really does help with her morale."

News Added: 21 August, 2007

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