October 28 will mark the third annual National First Responders Day, honoring paramedics, law enforcement officers, firefighters and other individuals who put their lives on the line in their communities. Throughout October, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network will host flag raising ceremonies in Illinois and northwest Indiana to honor fallen first responders who left a final legacy as organ and tissue donors.
We invite the public to join us.
Flag Raising and a Salute to Justin Jacobs
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 5:30 p.m.
Riverton Area Fire Protection, 710 Riverton Road, Riverton, Ill.
Justin was a Riverton Fire Department Board Trustee and EMT. After his death, Justin became a life-giving tissue donor. His gift of life has changed the lives of more than 100 individuals around the world.
Flag Raising and a Salute to Paul Miller
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.
Des Plaines Fire Station 2, 1313 E. Oakton St., Des Plaines, Ill.
A firefighter since age 18, Paul held positions in Prospect Heights, Lincolnshire, Highwood, McHenry Township and Des Plaines. Paul’s gift of life saved the six individuals waiting for lifesaving organ transplants and changed the lives of countless others.
Flag Raising and a Salute to Richard Hoyda
Thursday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m.
Hammond Police Department, 509 Douglas St., Hammond, Ind.
Lt. Richard Hoyda served 33 years with the Hammond Police Department. His gift of life saved the lives of two individuals waiting for a lifesaving organ donor.
Flag Raising and a Salute to Jeramiah (Jerry) Keenon
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 11:30 a.m.
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, 425 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca, Ill.
Jerry’s desire to help people led him to serve as a firefighter/EMT on the Burlington Community Fire Protection District for 17 years. He later joined Gift of Hope as a Tissue Authorization Specialist. Jerry became a life-giving donor, changing the lives of others after his death just as he did during his lifetime.
For questions or more information, please contact us at donorfamilies@giftofhope.org.
