COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Board of Directors of Columbus Elks Lodge #521 presented Columbus Fire Department (CFD) Station #2 on Tuesday evening, February 3, with a $5000 donation to support mental health and wellness initiatives for the city's first responders.
Elks Lodge Chairman Chuck Gray said the Lodge's conversation to support first responders began in late 2025.
Originally, the money was earmarked for CFD's Training Division. That changed after a chance meeting with Firefighter Justin Sims.
Gray said, "Justin was passionate about the importance of training first responders in overall wellness and keeping them both physically and emotionally fit."
Sims and Gray shared a friend who lost his battle with mental health. The death of 22-year CFD veteran Timothy B. Perry in 2017 led to an increasing awareness about stress in first responders.
Fire Chief Andy lay stated, "Keeping our first responders well is a top priority, and the generosity of the Elks will allow us to keep moving in the right direction."
If you want to help support the cause, checks can be dropped off at Columbus City Hall or the fire station at 1101 Jackson St. Make them out to the City of Columbus. Write "Timothy B. Perry Memorial Fund" on the memo line.
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