Rally for Our First Responders keeps getting better

Rally for Our First Responders was supposed to take place May 31, but Mother Nature had other plans. Instead, the popular event took place June 1 at Hudson Fields in Milton, and to say it was packed would be an understatement.

The event attracted about 4,000 attendees, up from last year’s 2,400, who were welcomed by more than 100 vendors, including food trucks, local businesses, police departments, fire companies, EMS teams and community organizers. It took 80 volunteers to make the event run smoothly.

“To me, the rally is a meaningful way to give back,” said organizer Kyle Shaffer. “Although I don’t have a personal connection to first responders, the tragic loss of Cpl. Keith Heacook deeply impacted me and my family. It opened our eyes to the risks these heroes take every day and the sacrifices they make for our safety. That moment inspired us to create a space where the entire Delaware community could come together – just one day a year – to show our appreciation, say thank you, and raise crucial funds for the nonprofit organizations that support our first responders. It’s a reminder that while we may not all wear a uniform, we can still stand in solidarity with those who do. It’s the least we can do for the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect ours.”

Attending the event was Devarjaye “D.J.” Daniel, a 13-year-old victim of brain and spinal cancer. D.J. is also an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent, conferred to him by President Donald Trump March 4 during a joint address to Congress. In addition, D.J. holds multiple honorary law enforcement titles, which now stands at more than 1,350 agencies nationwide.

Shaffer’s personal goal for this year was to reach $100,000. Over the past three years, the event has helped raise more than $254,000, all of which has gone directly to supporting local first responder nonprofits. Beneficiaries are carefully selected, which include volunteer fire companies, EMS teams, police-related nonprofits like Crime Stoppers and the new Shaffer Family First Responders Scholarship Fund. 

For more information, go to shafferfoundation.com or find Rally for Our First Responders on Facebook