Thanking our local heroes

The community has a chance to thank their first responders tonight with the “Honoring American Heroes 5K” and barbecue dinner.

The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Fallon/Churchill County Fire Station.

Plus, attendees can bring a photo or story of their own personal hero to post on the “My Hero” wall, which will be displayed after the event at the Financial Horizons Credit Union, the organizers of the fundraiser.

Angela Guthrie, manager of Financial Horizons Credit Union in Fallon, said they really wanted to give back to the people who serve our small, close community in such a big way.

The credit union organizes an annual fundraiser with their Pennies Count Fund, which asks credit union members to donate the cents from cashing a check or a recurring direct deposit. This year’s benefit will aid local military, police, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and search and rescue (SAR) members — all of whom are invited to the barbecue free of charge and can sign up to run if they wish.

Registration starts at 6 p.m. followed by the National Anthem at 6:15 p.m. The race will begin at 7 p.m., followed immediately by the barbecue and awards ceremony.

The first 150 registrants receive a T-shirt, finisher medal and swag bag. The cost is $30 and $15 for ages 12 and under. For a family of four (must be related), it’s $60. There’s a $5 run discount for first responders.

Reno’s KBUL 981 radio station will be there, broadcasting live throughout the festivities.

Guthrie said this is the largest fundraiser they’ve done, including sponsorships, which is a bright sign for how they can help the fundraiser’s recipients.

The proceeds will go to the Fallon/Churchill Volunteer Fire Department, the Police Department Association, the Churchill County Sheriff Deputy Fund, Churchill County Search and Rescue, the Wounded Warrior Project and other active and retired military programs.