NEWS

On Saturday, July 16 the roads around Greene and Clark County were filled with riders for a cause as they held the third annual Fire House Run. This event sponsored by First Responders and Bikers Advocating Against Abuse was created to raise funds for the Shoe Barn Project.

We spoke with one of the volunteer organizers of the event Shella Baker-Trego about the program and why they selected shoes for the fundraiser. She explained that in working with the various family service organizations FRABAAA found that many of the children when asked about what they would like to have as a gift requested new shoes.

In April, the group partnered with Springfield Regional Medical Center and collected 160 pairs of shoes along with a little over $120. The Fire House Run hosted over 140 riders including the law enforcement officers who served as escorts to assure the safety of the riders. Overall the estimate was that close to 200 individuals participated which included the passengers on many of the bikes.

Instead of a Poker Run where riders collect cards along their route, the Fire House Run is designed to allow riders to actually drive through the open doors of each fire house. This year the ride visited the Mad River Township Fire and EMS station arriving around 12:45 in the afternoon. The riders carefully navigated through the open bay doors and exited to the rear of the building. Estelle’s Leather Stop owned and operated by Ruth and Jerry Ray of Enon provided a rest stop for the bikers to enjoy refreshments. Riders put kickstands up and headed north to German Township with a final stop in Springfield at the Mid Ohio Harley Davidson location where MedFlight and CareFlight planned to make a visit around 2:30 pm.

Riders participating in this event represent EMT’s, Paramedics, Firefighters, Nurses and Police Officers who have a common goal of bringing a spotlight to raise awareness about child abuse in our communities. Latricia Garrison rode up from Mt. Sterling, Kentucky with her husband Gene to support the event. Garrison is a 911 operator in Lexington and wanted to show her support for the police and firefighters who she sees as her co-workers.

Also attending the event was Melissa McWhorter of Camden, Ohio. She has no connection to any of the professions represented by the group, however she and her friends including Tammy Sipple of Wooster, Ohio wanted to show their support for the first responders and their plans to provide shoes for children.

Greene County Deputy Sheriff Dana Woolf stated that he was participating as part of the law enforcement escort “to honor and assist with the ride”. He noted that all of the professions that make up the organization are a “brotherhood” and those officers riding to block intersections and other necessary aspects of the event wanted to do so to keep the riders safe.

Lt. Barnhart of the Clark County Sheriff’s office participated in the event riding the departments motorcycle used for special events such as this ride. “We need to be involved with the community” said Barnhart of his participation noting that residents see many negative reports on the news and that by participating in events like the ride, it shows a more positive side to the various law enforcement departments.

It has been a rough week or two for law enforcement following the events in Dallas earlier this month. Trego expressed her thanks to all those who participated in the ride during this difficult time. She noted that the ride also served to lift the spirits of the participants by the friendships and mutual respect shown during the ride for a cause.

These first responders see the impact on children who are abused as part of their daily work life. The funds raised during the annual Fire House Run allows social service agencies to provide gift cards to purchase the shoes children need for their day to day life in sports and school.

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