Columbia-Richland firefighters took home one of the tops honors at the annual Fire Truck Pull to raise funds in the fight against childhood cancers.
CRFD’s team recorded the best pull time for a 10-person group during the competition on Saturday April 6, 2024. The spring fundraising event was also a huge success as more than $21,000 was raised to support research into pediatric cancers at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands.
“It was once again wonderful to see so many members of our community come out to pull for cures,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “While our firefighters were thrilled to record a win at this year’s competition, everyone that took part is a hero for stepping up to help out area children who are battling these life-threatening diseases. Our department is nothing short of proud to support Curing Kids Cancer in its ongoing mission to eradicate childhood cancers.”
“This is my favorite event that Curing Kids Cancer does!,” said Grainne Owen, who is the co-founder and president of the nonprofit, “It pulls together the community in an extraordinary and unique way – yes I know that is a pun but it’s also a fact. Our pediatric cancer families can actually see and hear the support at this event and that is truly a priceless gift of joy for them. So I thank everyone involved, especially Columbia Fire Department, for giving our children and their families this special day.”
In all 22 teams competed in the Fire Truck Pull this year. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Columbia Police Department, Aflac and athletic teams at the University of South Carolina were just a few of the groups to try their luck pulling a 14,000 pound CRFD fire engine down a 500 foot stretch of Lady Street.
Every dollar raised from team registrations, collected donations and sponsorships of the event will go to the Gamecock Curing Kids Cancer endowment at the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands. To date that endowment has reached $1.2 million.
Team CRFD Being Recognized as Top 10-Person Team
Joining CRFD’s team in being recognized at the event was ‘Joseph’s Avengers’ as it recorded the second best pull time. ‘Equestrian for Everleigh’ was the team that raised the most donations going into the competition and ‘League of Their Own’ was recognized as the best dressed team.
