BY SARAH STEPHENS
PHOTOS BY BOB EALUM AND SUBMITTED BY ORGANIZERS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
AUTAUGAVILLE, AL – For 30 years, Autaugaville, Alabama Fire Chief Darrell Johnson has given so much back to his community. On Saturday, in case he ever doubted it, he was able to see just how the community appreciates him.
After a diagnosis of cancer, Johnson realized that the expenses related to trying to save his life were going to be astronomical. That is when a large group of people came together, from all walks of life, careers, races and even far away communities, to show their support.
An estimated 1,000 people filtered through the Autaugaville Fire Department and grounds Saturday. They came for the auctions, the cream pie throws, the dunking booth, the fish and barbecue plates and much more. The kids enjoyed plenty of activities. There was a lot of mixing and mingling. But, above it all, was the resounding amount of love and support for Chief.
Brett Wadsworth is an Alabama State Trooper and also the fire chief for Booth Volunteer Fire Department. He was happy to help organize and plan, as well as serve his time in the dunking booth. He wasn’t alone. Firefighters and police officers, including Autauga County Sheriff Mark Harrell, waited their turn for a little water torture, and all to help their fellow first responder.
State Troopers, deputies, police officers and firefighters took their turn in the chair to receive cream pies to the face. for the cause. We are told Trooper Cody Deason got at least 15 alone.
Deedee and Troy Calhoon stepped up in a big way by agreeing to match part of the donations made Saturday. Deedee is an area attorney currently running for Circuit Court Judge while Troy is a Prattville firefighter.
Chief Johnson was able to attend the event in his honor and poured thanks and appreciation on his friends and the community.
By 1 p.m., all the food was sold out, and the donations were being tallied. All of those funds will go to Johnson, to help with any expenses and bills he has incurred during his illness.
There were so many people that made this possible. Trying to thank them all individually would be impossible, as a lot of people did things behind the scenes. Many people have made anonymous donations to a GoFundMe account that was established. But a very special thank you to Cerrenidy Limbrick, Kelly Johnson, Dewayne Johnson, Holly Hunter and Brandi Tebbetts. Planning began in early June for this huge event that brought not just Autaugaville residents, but communities throughout the River Region represented to support Chief Johnson.
“I think it says a lot about our community here in the River Region,” Brett Wadsworth said. “It doesn’t surprise me a bit. We take care of our friends and neighbors, and we will always do anything we can to help. But Chief Johnson has touched a lot of lives in his years of service. It was just time for us to let him know how much we appreciate it.”
Above all, organizers asked the community to continue sending up prayers for Chief Johnson as he fights this disease.
Please view the photo gallery from the day’s event below.
