While local departments throughout Kosciusko County help to support and donate to the Hoosier Burn Camp each year, this year the Turkey Creek Fire Territory is getting the community involved. On Sunday, Sept. 27, firefighters will be walking five miles to raise money for Hoosier Burn Camp. Those wishing to participate in the walk may do so with a donation. Pictured, from left, are firefighter Lee Piercy, firefighter/treasurer Curtis Longenbaugh, firefighter Tanner Hunley, firefighter Jonathon Piercy, firefighter/EMT EMS Lt. Chris Longenbaugh, Fire Chief Mickey Scott, firefighter/EMT Layne Neal and firefighter/EMT John VanderRyden. Photo by Nicholette Carlson.

By Nicholette Carlson
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — To support the Hoosier Burn Camp, members of the Turkey Creek Fire Territory will be hosting a Firefighters Walk. Members of the community are invited to register to walk along with them.

The Firefighters Walk will be five miles along Lake Wawasee Sunday, Sept. 27. Registration begins at 7 a.m. by donation. The walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the Turkey Creek Fire Territory Station 1. Firefighters and supporters will then head south along SR 13 to the new trail path along Lake Wawasee to the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation. They will then follow the same route back to Station 1.

A washing station will be available at the fire station. Following the walk, the department will also be providing refreshments at the fire station for all who donated.

Each year Kosciusko County gives a donation, but this year Jonathon Piercy and Chris Longenbaugh wanted to get the entire department involved. While members of the department will go down and donate money each year, they decided to turn it into an event and include the Wawasee community. They are hoping to make the Firefighters Walk an annual event.

All proceeds raised from the Firefighters Walk will go to the Hoosier Burn Camp to send a child to camp or help purchase the essential items needed at camp. So far the department has raised over $2,000.

Hoosier Burn Camp helps provide social and emotional healing to young burn survivors age 8 to 18. Through this program, children who have experienced and been hospitalized for burn injuries in Indiana are able to attend a summer camp, participating in traditional camp activities, as well as monthly events throughout the year.

To donate to the cause or walk with the firefighters, contact Piercy at (574) 202-6882.