Poker Run to benefit Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern

FRESNO, Calif (KFSN) -- Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern's recovery continues to inspire people to come together. Now a motorcycle group is stepping up to help with a ride through the foothills.

In March, Dern was injured after falling through the roof of a burning building. His crew rescued him, but 65 percent of his body was burned. Since that day, the Valley has stepped up to help the 25 year Fresno Fire veteran.

Fire officials say Pete is undergoing surgeries and receiving skin grafts. They say overall his health and spirits are picking up and he even got a bite of pizza recently.

Another major milestone, he started walking. "With the assistance of his physical therapists and firefighters that are there to help. He's walking around and able to see where we've been staging for the last 60 plus days," said Pete Martinez Fresno Fire Department.

"The commitment Pete has to this department to Fresno Fire Department and the citizens of Fresno is second to none. He's a leader within the department, and we just wanted to do a little something to show that we appreciate him," said Mark Aston, Sierra Shadowcasters and Retired Clovis Fire Chief.

This Saturday a motorcycle poker run will be held for Pete Dern. Check in is at 8 a.m. at the River View Shopping Center. The 75 mile ride is from Fresno to Bass Lake to Friant. The cost is $30 per rider.