For over 20 years the Fireman's Memorial Trust has been a constant in helping a lot of people get an education through their scholarship fund.
However, what hasn't been a constant is how that money was earned. The fund started with the proceeds of a soda and snack machine in the fire house, and gave out $250 to a single scholarship recipient.
Now, after having given out $40,000 in funds through chicken BBQ, dunking booths at fairs and other various fundraisers, the Covington Fire Department found a fundraiser to "hang their hats on" and will give out three scholarships from Saturday's 3rd Annual Fire House 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run.
The race will take place in downtown Covington starting at 8:30 a.m. with the one-mile race followed by the 5K beginning at 9 a.m. The race will follow the same course as the Fuzz Run but in reverse. The track starts at Conyers Street and goes through the square to Newton Drive, Floyd Street and Deering Street and then back to Conyers Street.
There will be water stops throughout the route along with a mist station coming from a ladder truck on Newton Drive.
CFD Captain Tony Smith said about 325 people are expected at this race after it started with 150 people in its first year followed by 250 in 2011. Entry fee for Saturday's race is $25 per racer, who will receive a dry-fit T-shirt and a finisher's medal. Winners will be given custom pottery awards. Registration takes place at the Conyers Street Gym.
"The race has been growing just about by 100 people every year so the fundraising is definitely going well," Smith said. "Most years we make about $3,000 to $5,000 and this year we are trying to double that and this year we're on pace to."
The Covington Fire Department will look to distribute those funds as scholarships toward three firefighter's children, and if not applicable the funds will go toward students at the three local schools, Eastside, Newton and Alcovy.
"When the Fireman's Memorial Trust was created in honor of three firemen who died, it was to give something back to the community," Smith said.