Fundraiser aiming to help those who help
More than 50 shooters took aim at Saturday’s Fourth Annual Pull for Heroes, the primary fundraiser for ArkLaTex 100 Club, held at Rocky Creek Outdoors USA gun range.
The organization raises funds for local first responders to help them out with various needs, from helping fund equipment and training to funds to assist the families of those who fall in the line of duty.
A sunny day gave a clear view of the range and one particular gunner was in the proverbial zone, proving top shot for the event.
“Best day I’ve ever had on the range, shot real good today,” said Luke Meyer of Texarkana, Texas. “Today was better than some of my other days, one of the best.”
Luke Meyer’s father, Danny Meyer, is a 10-year veteran in the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office and was there to witness his son’s performance.
“I told him, as he was out shooting and doing so well, just relax and go with it,” he said.
The ranges at Rocky Creek were all staffed by volunteers from police and firefighter units in the community, Danny Meyer being just one of those helping out. Like the others there, he is enthusiastic about what he does.
“I’ve been doing this for years, I love my job,” he said.
Luke Meyer is proud of his father and the purpose of the day’s events.
“It feels good to be involved in helping out those who keep us safe,” he said. “Good to give back. I thank my Dad for supporting me and doing what he does.”
Hooks Fire and Rescue personnel were operating concessions as well as other tasks. According to Jay Farris, their assistant chief, it is all about service.
“I’ve always enjoyed organizations that try to help,” he said. “I got into this because I had a friend at church suggest joining up as a volunteer firefighter. I joined shortly after that and eventually moved up to assistant chief.”
Like other volunteer firefighters, Farris has to juggle this work along with a fulltime job, in his case, his position in the warranty and service department at Ledwell & Sons Enterprises.
“Being a volunteer firefighter can mean answering the call during occasions like birthdays, Christmas, and the like,” he said. “But it is the community and their support that help make it possible. One thing I love about small cities and their volunteer fire departments, is that it is such a close part of the community. We are there for occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving, homecoming parades. We are a part of the community.”