Decatur Fire and Rescue is hosting the Brothers For Life 5k to help support first responders, firefighters, EMTs and police officers who need financial help in their greatest time of need.
The fundraiser started several years ago after former Decatur firefighter Kirby Hines was diagnosed with a brain cancer. The fire department set up the run to help with his medical bills. It's since become an annual event to help others.
Lt. Brandon Strickland of the Decatur Fire Department said the fundraiser grew each year in participation, and they've had 300 people in the past. However, that number dropped by half last year following several years of dwindling participation, he said.
Strickland said they want to recharge the public's enthusiasm for their first responders.
"We've helped a lot of different people in emergency services. Just when they have special needs. Cancer, they've got a death in the family, things like that. Until long-term solutions can be found, we're kind of that band-aid that helps," Strickland said.