A former Alaska smokejumper will run 104 miles in early June to raise funds for the Boise, Idaho-based Wildland Firefighter Foundation (WFF). Last September, Ken Perry raised public awareness of the foundation through an inaugural 52-mile run in southern California. The WFF provides financial and other support services to the families of injured and fallen wildland firefighters.
Now an air tactical group supervisor for the BLM, Perry decided to make last year’s run for the WFF’s 52 Club, a program that asks donors to give one dollar per week throughout the year to help injured firefighters or the families of those killed in the line of duty. On June 2-3, Perry plans to double the distance of his 2005 jog, which started at Fox Air Attack base in Lancaster, Calif. The WFF is seeking donations in support of Perry’s “run for the money.”
Perry’s background includes smokejumping in Alaska and duty with the Fulton Hotshots on the Sequoia National Forest as well as the Kern County (Calif.) Fire Department. Five years ago, he injured his back during a rescue operation in Alaska; after several surgeries, he still experiences constant back and hip pain, yet is committed to distance running.
Last year, Perry and the WFF garnered more than $46,000 in donations. Many donors made 2005 pledges in memory of fallen firefighters, and the aviation community made a strong showing on the pledge list.
To make a pledge in support of Perry’s 104-mile run, use the “Support Us” page on the WFF’s Web site (wffoundation.org), and note on the form that you’re pledging in support of Ken Perry’s run. For additional information, call 208/336-2996.