YORK, Maine — First responders are always there for their communities in times of need, but even they sometimes need support in return.
This weekend, hundreds of Maine residents joined in to show gratitude at the Trooper Black Foundation's 5K Road Race.
The Trooper Black Foundation was founded in 2019 in honor of Maine State Trooper Charles Black who died in the line of duty in 1964.
Black's son, Charlie, now helps to run the nonprofit which works to help first responders and their families during hard times.
"These guys are there for us when we're at our worst. It's the least we can do to be there for them," Black said. "We look at it as a way that my dad can continue to serve."
Over 300 people registered for Saturday's road race. This year's fundraiser is focused on helping Tyler McDermott, a firefighter with the Wells Fire Department who recently was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer.
"Cancer in the fire service is something that we think about frequently," co-worker Matthew Magill explained. "When one of our own comes down with that horrible disease, we wanted to go all in and support him as best we can."
