CALVERT — For a little while Sept. 29, Calvert became a stopping point in something much bigger than a bicycle ride. The Calvert Volunteer Fire Department welcomed members of the Texas Brotherhood Ride as the group passed through Robertson County on its seven-day journey from Lake Jackson to Fort Worth. The ride covered more than 600 miles, with participants averaging between 80 and 100 miles a day. The miles were being traveled for nine Texas first responders who died in the line of duty. The 2026 ride honored Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jesus Vargas, Houston Police Officer Alex Roberts, Houston firefighters Brandy Allinience and Stephen Scott, Angleton Police Officer Jonathan “J.D.” White, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Jerry Adamick Jr., Copperas Cove Police Officer Elijah Garretson, Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department member Michael Phillips and Roanoke firefighter Michael Reedy. The Texas Brotherhood Ride is made up of firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMS personnel. Riders are themselves first responders, while a support crew helps keep the group moving from town to town. The nonprofit’s mission goes beyond remembering the fallen. Money raised through the ride also provides financial and emotional support to the families and co-workers left behind. That made Calvert’s role a simple but meaningful one. Local firefighters gave the riders a place to stop, rest and regroup before getting back on their bicycles and continuing north. For the members of Calvert VFD, it was a chance to support fellow first responders whose week on the road was centered on making sure nine names, and the sacrifices behind them, were not forgotten.