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Public Safety Day will help families of fallen first responders
200club red white blue

Bryan County Emergency Services, the South Bryan Volunteer Firefighter Association and the Richmond Hill Fire and Police departments are partnering with the Two Hundred Club of the Coastal Empire to make the 14th annual Public Safety Day bigger and better.

Slated for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 9 at the First Baptist Church, 9184 Ford Ave., Richmond Hill, the family-friendly day will feature demonstrations, kid’s activities and a silent auction. And, for the first time, the Two Hundred Club will co-host the Bryan County Red, White and Blue BBQ, where attendees can “donate for a plate” of barbecue to raise money for the family members of fallen and injured first responders.

The nonprofit assists family members of fallen and injured first responders in 18 Georgia and two South Carolina counties. Its newest initiative, “Red, White and Blue Campaign” with the colors representing fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies, focuses on raising awareness of the club’s efforts. A similar event was held in October in Chatham County, and the club’s ambition is to have events in all of its 20 counties.
An exhibition of fallen first responders will be displayed during the day, and the proceeds of the silent auction will be donated to the club.

The organization, now in its 15th year, has given more than $1.2 million to beneficiaries in all 20 counties.

Sponsors are being sought for this Safety Day. Levels, which include membership and a plate of BBQ, are: Diamond, $1,000; Platinum, $750; Gold, $500; Silver, $250; and Bronze, $100.

Richmond Hill fire Chief Ralph Catlett said, “Several hundred first responders die in the line of duty every year, and many times that number are injured, all while working to save citizens’ lives and keep our communities safe. When a public-safety provider suffers serious injury or death on the job, the heartbreak and hardship endured by surviving loved ones can be unbearable. In addition to adjusting to new emotional realities or a life without a treasured family member, spouses and children must continue to meet financial obligations and keep their households running … A donation to the Two Hundred Club goes directly towards insuring that families can stay in their homes, maintain a decent standard of living and remain in or enter educational programs.”

Bryan County Emergency Services Chief Freddy Howell said, “First responders’ primary mission is to respond to people in need who are in emergency situations, which may include going into a burning building or responding to shots being fired. The nature of the work can be extremely dangerous and the pay is low. If tragedy should strike, causing a disabling injury or even taking the life of the first responder, the family is left to pick up the pieces. The Two Hundred Club steps in to and lives up to their motto or slogan ‘Helping those who help us’ which explains it all. ”

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