Each year Westshore Police and Fire stage "Cleveland Heroes Run" past the Fallen Heroes Memorial on Riverside Drive/Rocky River Drive/State Route 237. It is a fun, but sobering run as the walkers, runners, family members, and police and fire stop and pray, lay flowers on, or just think about the Fallen Heroes Memorial, the names on it and what it means to everyone. When you realize that every time a first repsonder responds, they could be putting their life on the line. It is also a good event to support and say thank you to all.
One of the highlights of the event is that Lakewood Fire Department gets up early to fly the American Flag over the course. It has become one 4 big photo moments on the course. The start, the memorial, the flag, and the finish. Everyone loves this, and it is great community outreach for Lakewood Fire Department.
This year handling flag duties are...
Christian Floes, Joe Kappa, Fire Chief Tim Dunphy, and Matt Kopack.
They also offer "Let me take that photo of the entire family for you..." service. No wonder the community loves the Fire Department. They save lives, and help on the little things too!
The memorial starts to fill with flowers.
Lakewood Fire Chief Tim Dunphy and Matt Kopack Lakewood Firefighter. This was special for Matt, not only does he dedicate time keeping the memorial looking great. But he also recently lost his brother Mark.
One of Lakewood's more famous runners Kevin Scott coming running by.
Fire Chief Tim Dunphy congratulates Kevin, and other friends, residents and police and fire from Lakewood.
A mother stops and explains to her sons the memorial and what each name means on it.
A couple Cleveland Police on bicycles stops by for a moment of silence, thought and respect.
Lakewood firefighter not only flew the flag, they also won the race overall! Here from left to right are Firefighters:Christian Floes, Joe Kappa, Nick Boatman(winner) Tim Dunphy, Matt Kopack.
Thank you to all first responders, you are appreciated.
Thank you Lakewood Police and Fire Departments, you rock!
See all of the photos from today's event at: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/heroes-run-2019
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