Submitted photo Fredonia Fire Chief Joshua Myers recently participated in the Empire State Ride to raise money for cancer research.

Fredonia Fire Chief Joshua Myers biked across New York state last month to help raise money for Roswell Park cancer research.

Myers participated in the Empire State Ride, which began at Wagner College in Staten Island on Sunday, July 20 and ended in Niagara Falls on Saturday, July 26.

“It was a hurricane” Myers said. “I traveled 980 km.”

The week was grueling for Myers and about 320 of his fellow cyclists. The first day’s ride was about 60 miles—unthinkable for most of us, but in this case, just a warmup. The remaining days’ rides were between 75 and 100 miles. At the end of the day, the cyclists camped out in tents.

“We would wake up at 5 every morning, have breakfast at 5:40, leave anytime between 6 and 7 and just travel.” Myers said. “Every 20 minutes we would stop to stretch our legs and then keep going. It was physically very challenging but honestly mentally even more challenging.”

Cyclists have raised more than $2.2 million for Roswell Park. Myers has personally raised more than $7,000.

Myers said he made the trip to remember his mother and father, who both died of cancer. He also remembered his fellow firefighters who also had cancer. Myers said firefighting involves occupational hazards that increase the risk of cancer.

“That’s what kept me going on that journey, those mental days where I had to push myself,” Myers said. “I told myself, ‘The pain I feel is nothing compared to what these cancer patients feel during their treatments. If they can do it, you can do it, too.'”

Added, “A lot of people and businesses in our immediate area have donated. I wanted to thank them for that.”

“Anyone who gives their time, who puts their life on the line for public safety, clearly has a giving and selfless heart. Whether it’s police or firefighters, their lives are always on the line, it’s a dangerous job.” Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson says: “Josh rode his bike to raise money for cancer research. He knows some of our team suffer from this disease. He has loved ones who struggle every day too.”

Ferguson and Village Clerk Annemarie Johnston were among the Fredonians who welcomed Myers at the end of his journey at Niagara Falls.

Ferguson said: “Josh is a part of our community and our employees and department heads are our family. We traveled to Niagara Falls to show our support for a family member, a teammate and our appreciation for his efforts.”