Anniversary dedication...

My run today was dedicated to a wonderful family man who would've celebrated his 43rd wedding anniversary today, Paramedic Gerald "Garry" Hammer. 

I've been blessed in many ways while learning about Supporting Heroes. We honored the 8 that had fallen in 2014 prior to August 2nd during Heroes Challenge. Garry Hammer was one of those. During the process I actually "met" his son Jeremy. Jeremy, aside from my running partner in crime Lanett, is the only survivor (family member) I've had the privilege to speak with. He's told me things about his dad & I can't help but think I truly would've adored this man. 

Garry served for 39 years & taught for nearly 30 of those. Though I've heard his classes weren't in typical classroom style, many people learned a lot from him. He loved the medical field & was dedicated to taking care of those in need. This showed in his work. 

Paramedic Hammer suffered a fatal heart attack minutes after arriving home from a 12-hour overnight shift. He had made emergency responses during his tour of duty, including a 55-minute emergency transport from LaGrange to Fort Wayne.

In addition to serving as a paramedic with LaGrange County EMS, he served as: LaGrange County Sheriff's Department SWAT Medic; Cadaver Dog Handler with Indiana Department of Homeland Security District 3 Search and Rescue Task Force; Deputy Coroner in LaGrange and Noble Counties; and was a member of the Primary Instructors Education Committee of the Indiana Board of EMS. He was also Critical Care certified and CISM certified.

Outside of work his passion was hunting. He loved to deer hunt. 

His passing left behind his wife, 3 daughters, 2 sons & 12 grandchildren. I know today was rough for them. This was yet another 1st for them as he's not here on this anniversary. I pray that God's blessings cover them with happy memories today. They were blessed with a great man & I'm honored to run for him. 

RIP Garry Hammer

One more to wrap it up.

I'm a day late writing this post but I guess better late than never. The first annual Heroes Challenge is officially wrapped up. Donation check was mailed & planning for next year is underway. I thought it only appropriate to run for the man who's story was the first I read with Supporting Heroes. My first dedication run was to him & another officer so this one is just his. 

Officer Ellis was a young officer with a wife & 2 small boys. He had been in service for 7 years when he was found dead from a gunshot wound on an expressway ramp shortly after the end of his shift. His shift ended at 2:00 A.M. and he was discovered at 2:40 A.M.

His vehicle was parked with the emergency lights activated in a position to block traffic. There were no witnesses and he had not called in to advise dispatch of any activity. 

On May 25, 2013, he left behind his young family, his parents & 2 sisters. 

Sadly, the person(s) that took his life haven't yet been found. 

RIP Officer Ellis

Needed to clear my mind...

I needed to clear my head today so I squeezed in a quick couple of miles before picking up my girls. 

There was a bad wreck here this morning. Somebody was watching over me. I overslept & I decided to take Tori to school first. As I left town to drop Gracie off I passed cops flying. I would've been right in that area at that time if I had followed my usual routine. It's had me shaken up all day. 

For some reason Deputy Jacob Calvin of the Tipton County Sheriff Office (Tipton County, IN) has been on my mind as well. He lost his life in the line of duty as he was responding to a car accident. His cruiser left the road & crashed. He was killed in route. He was 31 & had been in service for 2 1/2 years. 

I spent this past weekend at the Kentucky State Fire School promoting the Heroes' Challenge & Supporting Heroes. I've been lucky enough to get to know a lot of great people through planning the HC. It was difficult to come across this accident & see so many I knew working to save these lives. It's an everyday thing for them but not for me. I could NEVER do these jobs but I'm truly thankful for those who can/do. God bless & keep them. 

Always pray for our responders, especially when they're running with lights & sirens.

RIP Deputy Calvin

LODD 6-28-14

It all counts...

Tonight I did a couple miles on the elliptical after training a couple. I wasn't sure if I should count it but I am. Sadly I didn't have my dedication written on my arms but it was dedicated all the same. 

Tonight was for Officer Charles David Howley of the Oldham County Police Department. Officer Howley's End of Watch (LODD) was May 14, 2014. He complained about not feeling well after an emergency response & ended his shift early that day. He suffered a fatal heart attack at home. 

Officer Howley spent 20 in service. He was described as a "superior" & "dedicated" officer. A post on his memorial page says, "He was a great officer and friend who always brought a smile to people's faces." 

Along with many friends & brothers/sisters in the department, he left behind his wife, his daughter, parents & a brother. He was only 51. God bless & keep his family. Thank you for your service.