Fire Department hosts t-shirt fundraiser for local Special Olympics

April is National Autism Acceptance Month and the Hopkinsville Firefighters Association is raising awareness of the developmental disorder by selling t-shirts which will benefit the Christian County Special Olympics.

Association President and firefighter, Bryce Bicksler says firefighters work 24-hour shifts and because they spend so much time at fire stations, the association serves to fund their everyday needs while they are working their shifts.

A branch of the association that recently developed is the Hopkinsville Firefighters Foundation, and Bicksler says the foundation serves to fund academic scholarships for the children of Hopkinsville firefighters and to provide support for firefighters and their families through hardships.

Bicksler says the foundation is also working to benefit local nonprofits and with April already spotlighting Autism awareness, Bicksler says they decided to bring back their Autism acceptance shirt sale.

The long-sleeved shirts are baby blue and, on the front, they feature a firefighter’s shield decorated with the Autism puzzle piece symbol and the back says, “Hopkinsville Fire Department supports Autism Awareness.”

The shirts cost $20 and the funds from shirt purchases will go toward the Christian County Special Olympics which is a local nonprofit that hosts year-round sports activities such as such as softball, basketball, bowling and track and field for those with special needs.

For April Bicksler says he wanted to benefit a local organization that works with members of the community with special needs and he came across the Special Olympics and thought it would be awesome to help them continue to their work in the community.

As firefighters, Bicksler says they already have an impact on the community by performing their everyday duties and responding to calls where they are needed. However, he believes they have the ability to benefit those who aren't needing firefighter rescue or assistance.

Bicksler says a digital order link will be published soon for shirt orders, but right now those interested in buying a shirt can message Hopkinsville Firefighters Foundation on Facebook. The shirt sale will run through April as long as supplies last.