INDIANAPOLIS — Are you planning on attending the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, IN, in April? If so, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) encourages you to get some exercise while supporting the Courage and Valor Foundation during the FDIC Courage and Valor Fun Run. The event takes place starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 11, at White River State Park in Indianapolis. The park is just a short walk from the Convention Center. Pre-register by noon on April 7 at www.kenlongassoc.com to receive a discounted rate and secure your commemorative t-shirt. On-site registration is also available at FDIC on April 10 and on the day of the race at the White River State Park Visitors Center, but shirts are not guaranteed.
The Fun Run supports the Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award. PennWell Corporation, parent company Fire Engineering and FDIC, established the Fire Engineering Courage and Valor Foundation to ensure that the nation always remembers the fallen firefighters of September 11, 2001, and in their memory, recognize other firefighters who demonstrate that same courage and valor. The goal of this independent, tax-free Foundation is to raise $1,000,000 to fund the Foundation’s annual Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award in perpetuity. The Award commemorates the life and career achievements of Deputy Chief Ray Downey, who lost his life while commanding rescue operations at the World Trade Center attack. Deputy Chief Downey was chief of rescue operations and a 39-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York. He was the most highly decorated firefighter in the history of FDNY.
Learn more at www.courageandvalor.com/home.cfm or register for the Fun Run at www.kenlongassoc.com.
Remember to also visit the NVFC at Booth #91 while at FDIC to receive your free health screenings and sample some heart-healthy cooking demonstrations performed by Firehouse Chef Joseph Bonanno Jr. You can also stop by the booth to learn how to increase your department’s capacity through Fire Corps, find valuable resources for your department, and learn more about the National Junior Firefighter Program. Applications for the National Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Program are now being accepted – learn more at the NVFC booth, from the brochure in your FDIC registrant bag, and online at www.nvfc.org/juniors. The deadline for the applications is May 15.