Local 5K to support Georgia firefighters
The Georgia Chapter of the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund and The Georgia Fallen Firefighters Foundation invites you to participate in a fun road race. The Friends of Firefighters 5K Road Race will be Saturday, October 24 beginning at 8:00am at Sam Smith Park, 1155 Douthit Ferry Road in Cartersville. The funds raised from the road race help support firefighters in the state of Georgia with medical, financial, and line of duty death benefits.
Ray King, Cartersville Fire Department Batallion Chief, believes the event is one where everyone can get involved. "We believe it's a win-win for the community and the surrounding areas. The 5K run not only promotes health and wellness, it also benefits two very worthy causes -- The Terry Farrell Fund and the Georgia Fallen Firefighter Foundation," King pointed out.
The Terry Farrell Fund has assisted 34 firefighters in the State of Georgia donating over $50,000 for medical or financial hardships. It has also provided surplus equipmemt estimated at approximately $500,000 including vehicles, TICS, PPE, 4.5 Scott Packs, Hurst tools, AED's and various other tools since it began in Georgia in 2011. "Not only does it assist firefighters in need, it also supplies much needed equipment to those serving communities," added King.
Sometimes, that need is right here locally. "We had a local firefighter that lost everything when his own house burned last year. The Terry Farrell Fund handed his family a check for $1000 the very next day. That same foundation was able to procure and donate gear to one of our local Firefighter Explorer teams," King continued.
As the name suggests, the Georgia Fallen Firefighter Foundation assists families and departments with deaths that occur in the line of duty. "That foundation handles funeral details and provides financial support," noted King.
Furthermore, both foundations have joined forces to form the Georgia Firefighter Cancer Fund. It assists with cancer related issues and also actively leads the effort in education, research, early detection, and prevention.
King expects the event to have a great turnout. "We hope to have over 300 runners this year, plus we'll have some food vendors and several Firefighter displays and activities," he said.
Those interested in donating, but not racing, may have their donation and registration carried during the race by one of the firemen.
The entry fee is $25 per runner. Participants are encouraged to pre-register at http://rking60.wix.com/friendsoffirefighter .
Registration will be available the day of the event, but those who do so are encouraged to arrive very early to prevent delays. The event is actively seeking sponsorships. To get your business involved or for more information, contact Cartersville Fire Department Batallion Chief, Ray King, at 770 387-5635 (office) or 404 446-8019 (cell). You may also email: rking@cityofcartersville.org
