Run, walk or enjoy a beer during the fourth annual Firefighters’ 5K and Block Party on June 23 at the Picnic Grove, 7824 Madison St.
Race fees are about $30 per person, and prospective runners can register online local2753.com.
On June 21, runners can pick up their race packet from 5 to 8 p.m. at Fitness Factory Outlet, 1900 Desplaines Ave. Runners can also pick up their packets on June 22 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Fitness Factory Outlet, or on race day from noon to 3 p.m. at the Picnic Grove.
The kids’ race starts at 3 p.m., and adults run at 4 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society; the 100 Chicago Club, which provides support to families of first responders who have fallen in the line of duty; as well as local charities, including the food pantry at the Howard Mohr Community Center, All-School Picnic, the mayor’s annual toy drive and more.
Race Director Lindsey Hankus said the event usually raises about $5,000.
“It’s kind of like a big party,” Hankus said. “Everybody’s got a smile on their face, because it’s an exciting thing, especially because it’s our own. We did this, and everybody’s proud of it.”
The Park District of Forest Park and Concordia University are helping the Forest Park Fire Department organize the race. First responders from Oak Park, North Riverside and River Forest will also help out, and local businesses including McGaffer’s Saloon, Fatduck Tavern & Grill, Schauer Hardware are donating items for the post-race raffle.
Runners can enjoy music, tacos and beer and non-alcoholic after the event, and Hankus hopes to organize a photo booth and bounce house for the kids.
FEMA grant for new fire truck
Race attendees might get to ogle the Forest Park Fire Department’s truck, which the department purchased in July 2017 for $450,000 from the Florida-based E-One manufacturing firm.
Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the Forest Park Fire Department $428,572 in grant funding to pay for the truck, and the village picked up the rest of the check.
Fire Chief Bob McDermott said the new engine replaced a 20-year-old truck that was falling apart.
“We wanted something that was basic; we didn’t want something with a lot of bells and whistles,” McDermott said. “We wanted something that was really a bare bones fire engine, making it quicker, safer, easier for our guys to pull the hose off and help us do our job.”
CONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com
