Montgomery County Fire Fighter Team Raises Over $26,000 to Support The Make-A-Wish Foundation!

By: Firefighter Mike Johns 


The 28th annual Make-A-Wish triathlon took place on Saturday, September 24, 2011.  A total of 18 people competed this year, representing Montgomery County Fire & Rescue.  This was the third consecutive year that a group of Montgomery County firefighters have organized a team to race.  It was also the largest team yet!

The Make-A-Wish triathlon takes place at Sea Colony Resort in Bethany Beach, DE.  The event is an olympic distance tri consisting of a 1.5K ocean swim, 41K bike, and 10K run.  Participants may compete as individuals or part of a relay team.  The MCFRS contingent consisted of 12 individual racers and two 3-person relay teams.  Firefighter Mike McDonald (3C) finished first amongst the group of firefighters with a time of 2 hours, 41 minutes.  MFF Kathy Evans (FCE) was captain of a female relay team that finished FIRST in their division with a time of 3 hours, 3 minutes!

Another large component of the Make-A-Wish tri is fundraising.  Competitors work hard before the race not only training, but raising funds to help support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic.  This wonderful organization grants wishes for local children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.  With the average cost of a wish being $7500, donations from generous race supporters is very important.  This year, the Montgomery County firefighter team raised just over $26,000 to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation!  Firefighters TJ Monahan (33A) and Amanda Viragh (34C) were 2 of the Top 5 fundraisers for the entire event!

All of this year's participants had a great time and are excited for next year's race!

2011 Make-A-Wish Triathlon Team

Firefighter TJ Monahan (33A)

Captain Robert Stojinski (29C)

Firefighter Mike Johns (29C)

Captain Mike Green (3C)

Firefighter Mike McDonald (3C)

Firefighter Josh Devries (34C)

Firefighter Jake Riddle (34C)

Firefighter Amanda Viragh (34C)

Firefighter Nelson Ortiz-Cruz (R2)

Firefighter Gino Reynosa (25A)

Elwood "Buddy" Ey (MD-TF1)

Kiersten Henry

Master Firefighter Kathy Evans (FCE)

Johanna Mansilla

Brenda Jacobs

Firefighter Geoff Olds (1A)

Firefighter Garland Hollenbach (22A)

Pamela Resurreccion