Motorcycle Run to Honor Police Officer Killed in 2011 Accident

A Sept. 21 charity event is on tap to honor two police officers who lost their lives in the call of duty, including one from northern New Jersey, the Daily Record reports.

The 40-mile "Fallen Heroes" motorcycle run is being held in tribute to Mount Arlington Police Officer Joseph Wargo Jr., who was killed by a drug-impaired driver in 2011, and Plymouth Township, Pa. Officer Brad Fox, who was shot to death while pursuing a hit-and-run driver.

Wargo was on duty Oct. 16, 2011, when intoxicated driver Michael Cassella of Howell smashed into his police cruiser on Interstate 80 in Roxbury and killed him. Cassella is now serving a 20-year sentence after pleading guilty to aggravated manslaughter. His sentence, handed down in March, stipulates that the man must serve 17 years before he can be considered for parole.

The fundraising motorcycle run starts at 12:15 p.m. Sept. 21 at a spot on Larry Holmes Drive in Easton, Pa., and ends at Drinky’s Pub, 5 Centre Square in Easton. The rain date is Sept. 22. In-person registration runs from 10-11:45 a.m. at the starting point. The admission fee is $10 for motorcyclists and $5 for passengers. A cash bar will be available at Drinky's, along with a $5 buffet.

The run is sponsored by Matt Vangeli, who owns Brassknuckle Cycles and Brassknuckle Automotive in Easton and was Wargo's best friend, the article said. Proceeds will go to the fallen officers' widows, Amy Wargo and Lynsay Fox, who reportedly will donate the money to families of other fallen police officers and to an animal organization. More info is available by calling Brassknuckle Cycles at 610-462-2090.