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Ohio Valley Jeep Alliance holds Weirton gathering to allow public, safety forces to have fun together

From left, Adam, Bentley and Christine Poorman of Washington, Pa., stand in front of their tricked-out Jeep during the Ohio Valley Jeep Alliance’s first responders event at the Weirton Event Center Saturday. All funds raised during the event will go toward families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. — Mark J. Miller

WEIRTON — The Ohio Valley Jeep Alliance’s first responders appreciation event Saturday at the city’s event center was a chance for the public to learn more about their local first responders while having fun at the same time.

Dozens of Jeep owners, first responders from firefighters to police and others gathered to enjoy the sun, some music, food and fun during the event. Mark Cooper, president and founder of the alliance, said club members wanted first responders in the area to know their service was appreciated.

“We set this up to support all our first responders,” said Cooper, adding the event included music, food, a dunk tank, face painting for the kids, a drawing and acceptance of donations to families of first responders killed in the line of duty. “We’re having a drawing for tattoos and piercings at Inkwell Tattoos in Weirton.

“All proceeds (generated by the event) go toward the families of fallen officers nationwide,” Cooper continued. “All the bands performing — all the time and talent was donated for this. We just wanted to show our support for local first responders, especially with all the turmoil (in the country). Admission and all the events are free to the public.”

Bands and performers donating their time for the day included R.J. Allin, 3Fold, Reigning Jade and Gabby Barrett, said Cooper.

“We’re also having K-9 demonstrations (courtesy of) the Weirton Police and the Fire Safety House from the Weirton Fire Department,” said Cooper, adding officials from the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau donated use of the event center for the event.

Mike Baker, a Weirton police officer, helped organize the event, according to Cooper. Baker said the idea was to have a community event where the public could meet first responders in a relaxed atmosphere.

“It’s also a gathering to honor fallen officers throughout the U.S.,” Baker said, adding support for local first responders has never been higher. “Yes, absolutely, the support is there, especially with all the (national) tragedies. There’s even more support (for local first responders). We just want people to get interested and be aware of our safety forces.”

Baker also said organizers wanted the public to be aware of fire and emergency medical providers as well.

“They are just as much on the scene as we are,” he said.

Those attending could watch or attempt to dunk a first responder in the dunk tank, talk with officers or enjoy the number of vintage and beefed up Jeeps in the parking lot. They also could purchase a hot dog or sit in the shade and enjoy the music. Lt. Jack Sall of the Bethesda Police Department said the event meant something to fellow first responders.

“I think this is amazing,” he said. “It really does support first responders. Without them we would have nothing. It keeps the officers going. We back up (the public), and they back us up.”

Weirton Fire Chief Jerry Shumate agreed.

“It’s nice to get out and meet the public,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for us and the public.”

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