SMOKEY POINT — The first few days were rough for Lance Ramsay’s friends.
They didn’t know if he’d make it. The longtime Washington State Patrol motorcycle trooper was badly hurt in a June 21 wreck on Highway 9. The crash, in which Ramsay’s motorcycle ran into the back of a van, remains under investigation.
Afterward, Ramsay was laid up in a Seattle hospital, riddled with broken bones. His friends knew they had to do something.
They created the Ramsay Recovery Ride, a fundraiser planned for 11 a.m. Sunday at Sound Harley-Davidson at 16212 Smokey Point Blvd. in Smokey Point. A motorcycle ride, barbecue and raffle are planned.
Stanwood police Sgt. Barry Ruchty met Ramsay 15 or 20 years ago, he said. They’ve been good friends ever since.
When Ramsay was hospitalized, Ruchty started brainstorming ways to help. He decided on a motorcycle ride to raise money for his friend’s recovery costs.
The idea is for all of Ramsay’s friends — in and out of law enforcement — to come out and show support, Ruchty said.
“It’s about people taking care of their friends, that’s what it comes down to,” he said. “We love Lance.”
Snohomish County sheriff’s deputy Jeff Ross has known Ramsay about seven years. Since the crash, Ross has been flooded with calls, texts and Facebook messages asking about his friend, he said.
Ross is excited to see how many people come out Sunday. He hopes Ramsay, now home from the hospital, will be able to make it as planned.
Ramsay faces at least three more surgeries. Ross said his “soul-strong” friend realizes he’s been given a second chance.
“He’s getting better. If you ask him, he’s doing great, but he puts up a front,” Ross said. “He’s still got a long road to go.”
Ramsay was a recurring guest on the “Jackie and Bender” radio show on KISS 106.1.
One of the show’s hosts, Bender, who goes by his stage name, remembers Ramsay’s first visit to the set, where the trooper was to protect teen pop star Jesse McCartney. Ramsay and Bender grew to be friends over the years and rode alongside each other on several fundraiser motorcycle rides.
Now, it’s his friend who needs help.
“It’s a totally different, scary, positive, all-rolled-into-one feeling,” he said.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com
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