Fire Beats Cops In Guns And Hoses 5K, 5th Year In A Row

From Cherokee County FD: Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services won the 2019 Guns and Hoses Run that was held this past Saturday at Hobgood Park. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services had the most runners to sign up for the 13th annual event this year making this the fifth year in a row that the fire department has won the race.

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office solicit registrations from runners to raise money for their charities. The event was open to the public and runners were asked to pick the team they wanted to run for, Guns or Hoses, and part of their registration fee was donated to an area charity. The fire department donated their winnings to the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. The purpose Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, which is located in Salacoa, is to provide hope and a family-model home for boys who do not have either. According to Lindsey Collett, a representative with the Cherokee County Recreation and Parks Agency, 437 runners signed up for the fire department, while 249 signed up with the sheriff’s office for a total of 686 runners participating in the event. Runners for the Hoses team this year included members with the Cherokee County Search and Rescue Team who had 12 members that participated and several boys from the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch including the CEO, Zach Blend.

One of the runners that caught everyone’s attention was Cherokee County firefighter, Chris Norrington, who was carrying his 3 year daughter, Harper, when he crossed the finish line. Many of the spectators were wondering if Chris had carried his daughter through the entire run. However, according to Chris, “I actually pushed both of my kids throughout the run in a stroller this year. Then, for the final mile, my 5 year old son, Teddy, wanted to run the rest of the way by himself. Not to be outdone by her brother, my daughter chose to do the same. So, we ditched the stroller and ran. Needless to say, her little legs gave up quickly and I carried her the rest of the way in. It was not my plan, but it kept her happy.” Prior to the presentation of the trophy, the Cherokee County Fire Explorer Honor Guard displayed the colors during the playing of the National Anthem. Medals were awarded to the top male and female runners in several different age categories as well as the overall winners of the race.

The Goshen Valley Boys Ranch will receive a check in the amount of $5,364. Thanks all of those who came out to support this event!

Images via Cherokee County FD