Family, friends, and first responders will come together to remember and celebrate the life of fallen Waterloo firefighter, Greg Freshwater, at the 6th Annual Greg Freshwater Memorial Ruck March. This event will take place on Tuesday, August 29 at 9 AM as participants embark on a walk from Prairie Grove Park to Greg’s final resting place, commemorating his memory and dedication to service.
Greg Freshwater’s life was tragically cut short when he was hit by a car while running on August 29th, 2017. As a tribute to his legacy, Waterloo Fire Rescue initiated this annual ruck march to remember and honor Greg’s commitment to his community. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Greg Freshwater Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is managed by the Waterloo Community Foundation.
The Greg Freshwater Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to aid Waterloo firefighters with the cost of advanced EMT or paramedic school, which Greg was enrolled in at the time of the accident. This year begins fundraising efforts to elevate the scholarship fund from $50,000 to $125,000 in order to endow the fund, ensuring it can provide $6,000 in scholarships annually to Waterloo Fire Rescue personnel working towards their certification in perpetuity.
To jumpstart this ambitious fundraising goal, an anonymous donor has stepped forward to match the first $25,000 in donations to the Greg Freshwater Memorial Scholarship Fund. This partnership underscores the importance of investing in the education and professional development of local heroes, ensuring that their legacy of service and dedication continues to impact the community positively.
Donations to the Greg Freshwater Memorial Scholarship Fund can be made online at https://wloocf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1061 or by check with “Greg Freshwater Memorial Scholarship” in the memo line mailed to Waterloo Community Foundation P.O. Box 1253 Waterloo, IA 50704.
