By Erica Thomas, managing editor
CLAY — The Center Point Fire Department kicked off the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month with an event at Cosby Lake on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019.
The event started with a ceremonial ride from Piggly Wiggly to Cosby Lake Park with Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office’s pink SUV, American Legion Riders and the pink Center Point firetruck.
Fire Chief Gene Coleman presented the Breast Cancer Research Foundation a $10,339 check. The money was raised by the fire department throughout the year by T-shirt sales and the 2019 Ricky L. Davis Memorial Golf Tournament. The BCRFA has raised and invested over $8.7 million dollars to help the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, according to its website.
Bento Construction, a disaster restoration company, provided 200 hotdogs for the event.
“We like to be involved in anything that has to do with the community and the people,” said the owner and president of Benton Construction, Brian Bento. “We’ve latched onto Center Point because they’re always doing things for people.”
Bento said the event is also special for him because his mother is a breast cancer survivor.
American Legion SSG Michael W. Hosey Post 205 Riders were able to participate in the kickoff event. Director of Legion Riders for post 205, John Burke, said taking part in community service is a given for the post.
“One of the pillars of the American Legion is supporting our community,” said Burke. “What better what to show our support than getting behind the Center Point Fire Department and what it does for this great cause?”
During Chief Coleman’s presentation, he mentioned the man behind the event, Chris Horn, with Center Point Fire. Horn is known for his commitment to the community and his drive to make good things happen. Horn said that drive is something he’s always had.
“It’s driven into me by my mom, who is no longer with us,” said Horn. “She was always planning parties and she’s the only woman I know who could just walk through the front door of the Governor’s Mansion and nobody asked any questions.”
Horn’s mother, Sammie ♥ Horn, planned balls and other events for the governor. She was also very involved in the Center Point Community. Horn said between the influences from his mother and his love for his community, he never questions doing all he can to get involved.
“I enjoy doing it,” said Horn. “We are a family. Center Point Fire Department is different than other departments because we are small. We only have four stations and we always have to lean on one another.”
Raising awareness every year for breast cancer awareness is something that Horn can appreciate on a personal level.
“It’s a great day and it’s really personal for me because my aunt is a breast cancer survivor of 35 years,” said Horn. “It’s really something special to me.”
The location for the annual event is rotated each year between Pinson, Clay and Center Point. The kickoff will be in Center Point in 2020.
