Fundraiser aims to send honor guard to memorial ceremonies for fallen firefighter
Capt. Tony Cox's name to be added to memorials in Colorado & Maryland
9:40 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2008
Hundreds of people dined for a cause a Cici's Pizza Thursday.
“It's bittersweet but we're so proud,” said Dotty Karnowski, sister.
It’s a cause that shows support and honor for Karnowki’s brother and fallen Topeka fire captain Tony Cox.
“They know what Tony did for them for over 20 years and sacrifice for them and they're just showing their appreciation,” she said.
Members of Topeka's International Association of Firefighters and honor guard opened doors and cleaned tables as a part of a fundraiser.
The goal is to send the honor guard to two out-of state fallen firefighter memorial ceremonies honoring Cox.
His name will be added to the IAFF fallen firefighter memorial in Colorado Springs, and to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
“This is just our way of going out and paying tribute to our own person and then being there with others around the country who have names that'll be added as well,” said Richard Sigle, Local 83 member.
Cici's donated 25 percent of its profit to the cause, but for those who wanted to give more, they filled a boot with large amounts of cash.
Among the crowd of supporters was Cox's widow Karrie, and two of his daughter's Hannah and Baylee.
And though it's been an emotional journey, family and friends say they will never forget, and is thankful the community doesn't want to either.
“His professional accomplishment will live on in history in Topeka and for us as a family that's just continued pride for us,” Karnowki said.
The memorial in Colorado will be on September 20th and the other in Maryland will be the weekend of October 3 through 5.
Cox's family will also make the trip.
Comments
Note: ktka.com does not necessarily condone the comments here, nor vouch for the factual claims made therein. Nor do we review every post.
Apr. 11, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)booper (anonymous)
What a great turnout! Thank you ladies and gentlemen for reminding the community what it is you really do, serve them regardless of politics! Thank you so much!
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)