From Staff Reports

Ford's Colony Rocky Mount will host the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Golf Tournament on June 11.

Contributed photo (ENLARGE)

From left, Damon Aswad, Head Golf Professional at Ford's Colony; Michael Varnell, Rocky Mount District Fire Chief; Donnie Tharrington, owner of Don's Body Shop and sponsor of the $10,000 Hole-in-One Prize; and Keith McGee, Rocky Mount District Fire Chief.

"The tournament raises money for the families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty – helps out with scholarships for their kids and that sort of thing," Rocky Mount firefighter Dwayne Pridgen said. "It also raises funds for the research and development of firefighter safety equipment."

The event will kick off with a lunch at 11 a.m.

"A family that has lost a loved one is going to come and speak to everyone," Pridgen said.

The tournament tees off at 1 p.m. Donnie Tharrington, owner of Don's Body Shop, is sponsoring a $10,000 cash prize for a hole-in-one.

"Don's Body Shop has been in business for 26 years, and we certainly appreciate them giving back to the community in this special event," Pridgen said.

In 2006, 106 firefighters nationwide died while serving in the line of duty. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is a nonprofit foundation that leads a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters.

For information on how to register for the tournament, sponsor a hole or make a donation to the foundation, call 972-1446.