Toledo Comes Together To Show Annual Support For Fallen Heroes

Daily Dose  |  01/16/2024 3:30 pm

For the average person, the work done by our local first responders is not something we think about often. People go about our days with a subconscious awareness of the safety and protection that would be there if its needed. For our local Firefighters and their families, the risks of the job are never far from their minds and their hearts and one particular day each year brings the Toledo department added awareness of the ultimate sacrifices that have been made.

January 26th marks the 10 year anniversary of the arson fire that killed Toledo Firefighters Steve Machcinski and Jamie Dickman. Every year on this day Toledoans come together to show their appreciation and support for the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department by delivering donuts, dinners and deserts to every TFRD station and donuts and lunches to every bureau throughout Toledo. The effort, coordinated by Larry Cready of Toledo Strong, is a heartfelt project to honor the memory of Machcinski and Dickman while reminding Toledo citizens of the risks and sacrifices our firefighters face. With it being the 10 year anniversary and the recent death of well know and loved Toledo Firefighter Sterling “Butch” Rahe, this year’s event brings even more remembrance and honor by adding the Springfield Township Fire Department where butch also served throughout his career in public service.

“Butch was one of a kind and we are excited that we can continue this annual tradition and be able to add the Springfield Township Fire Department in Butch’s honor. Toledo will always remember the ultimate sacrifices made by Steve and Jamie and the others before them. The department has always expressed a great amount of gratitude for this annual effort and helping to lift their spirits on such a somber day is our sole mission. I’m sure knowing that the community is appreciative and supports their work really makes a big difference” said Cready.

“Our community continues to come together every year to help make this annual effort a success. The local bakeries and restaurants are always so supportive and without them, the generosity of the community and our volunteers, we could never make this happen” continued Cready.