by David Chapman
Staff Writer
This time, they’re taking it to Heart.
Members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department have taken their friendly rivalry to the squared circle on an annual basis. But now they’re hitting the streets and “walking” it out for the American Heart Association as part of the “2009 First Coast Start!” Heart Walk.
As part of the Sept. 26 charity walk beginning at Metropolitan Park, the departments will have just under a month to grow their team of walkers, with the department with the larger team winning the inaugural “First Responders Cup” trophy.
The competition and trophy debuted Thursday afternoon with a kickoff celebration at the Landing featuring union leaders from both departments as well as American Heart Association officials.
“We might back off and let them win one for a change,” said Fire Union President Randy Wyse, referring to the JFRD’s recent victories in the annual “Guns N’ Hoses” charity boxing event.
It only took a split second to change his mind, though.
“Nah, we won’t do that,” he said, smiling.
Fraternal Order of Police President Nelson Cuba said he’d let the final team tally do the talking.
While the competition is in good fun, the cause is something both men agreed is a problem that hits too close to home.
“It’s the No. 1 killer of firefighters,” said Wyse. “It’s a problem across the country ... That’s why it’s important to get this message out there to the public to support this cause.”
It’s also the No. 1 killer among police officers, said Cuba, and raising awareness for the American Heart Association through events like the “First Responders Cup” challenge can make a difference.
Both said their goal was to sign at least 100 people up for their respective team.
American Heart Association officials were happy to see the two departments come on board to create more of a buzz about the upcoming walk and cardiovascular help in general, said Walk Director Danielle Shrader.
While there is only one trophy, the benefits of such a competition reach much further.
“Whichever team the public is going to sign up for is going to be a winner,” said Shrader. “The more support we receive, the bigger the impact.”
The “2009 First Coast Start!” Heart Walk is Sept. 26 at Metropolitan Park. The 3-mile-plus walk begins at 9 a.m. (activities begin at 8 a.m.) and will wind its way Downtown before looping back to Metro Park.
For more information on the event, go to www.americanheart.org.
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