By David Whiting
The Orange County Register
CRYSTAL COVE, Calif. — Pacific Coast Triathlon crowd cheers for its heroes.
It was a day of heroes at the Pacific Coast Triathlon on Sunday with firefighters, military and police honored for their service.
Washington, D.C., firefighters Dennis Carmody and Daniel Gerdy stunned the crowd after they swam a half-mile in the ocean, bicycled 12 miles and then put on full firefighting gear to run 3 miles.
Carmody, 32, also grabbed an American flag while Gerdy, 29, carried a red and gold flag honoring New York firefighters.
Other men and women in uniform also received special honors with a “heroes” division of military, police and firefighters kicking off the race at 7 a.m.
The athletes started by swimming in the ocean. Then they ran across sand and up a hill, where they transitioned to the bike portion of the triathlon.
With rays of sun breaking through clouds, they completed two six-mile loops on Pacific Coast Highway before tackling the run.
Several hundred onlookers cheered athletes as they crossed the finish line. But the biggest cheers of all were for Carmody and Gerdy. Both entered the triathlon and decided to run in full gear to honor the firefighters who died 10 years ago.
Carmody, who was flown out for the triathlon by race Director Bill Leach, was moved by the events of 9/11 to become a firefighter after he graduated from college.
“I, like the rest of America, felt overwhelming sadness,” Carmody explained on the eve of the race. “As I searched for answers, I felt a deeper need to serve my community.
“I am now surrounded by some of the bravest men and women in the country,” Carmody added. “I carry with me the 343 firemen who died on Sept. 11.
“Although I never had the chance to meet a single one of the men who lost their lives, I feel like I know each of them.”
After the race, athletes and fans flocked to congratulate Carmody and Gerdy, who deferred to their fellow firefighters.
Hundreds of family members and fans cheered athletes as well as firefighters, military and police who took part in the Pacific Coast Triathlon on Sunday.
Washington, D.C., firefighters Dennis Carmody, left, and George Gerdy cross the finish line Sunday after running three miles in full gear, including boots. The run was part of the Pacific Coast Triathlon in Crystal Cove State Park.
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