This weekend, locals will have a new way to commemorate the life of a fallen Mahwah firefighter and raise money for the scholarship foundation bearing his name.

For the past six years, Mahwah’s Fire Co. 2 has given out $500 scholarships to Mahwah students in honor of Patrick Roe, a volunteer firefighter who tragically died in 2005. Five years ago, the fire company developed a basketball game between township teachers and firefighters as the main fundraiser for the scholarship.

Now, Roe’s mother, Jean, said the Patrick Roe Scholarship Committee has come up with a new way to raise money in her son’s name – a poker run happening this Sunday.

“They really wanted to develop something new,” she said. “They were looking for something that more people could directly participate in.”

The first annual Lt. Patrick Roe Benefit Poker Run invites motorcycle riders from across the area to take a scenic bike tour of Mahwah and surrounding towns to help raise money for the scholarship fund.

The poker run starts at Mahwah Bar and Grill. Registration is from 9 to 11 a.m. Riders can enter for $25, and passengers for $15. After three stops, the ride ends up at the Mason Jar, from 12 to 3 p.m.

Locals who don’t ride can also get in on the action, Jean said. Anyone can stop by for lunch between 12 and 3 p.m. and pick up food and live music entertainment for a $15 donation.

Patrick Roe died March 6, 2005. He was struck by a train while walking from the Mahwah train station. According to his mother, Roe was on his way home from a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hoboken. Though no one is positive why Patrick Roe was walking where he was that night, Jean Roe said it is possible that he was walking to Roxanne’s Restaurant to meet up with friends.

“We are hoping this can be a great day that a lot of people who knew Patrick, and a lot of people who didn’t, can actually participate in,” Jean said.

Riders can get more information or register at the Co. 2 website. Bikers can also register day-of.

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