Elks Lodge makes donation to help Columbus first responders

The Columbus Elks Lodge has made a donation to help support mental health and wellness initiatives for community first responders.

According to the Columbus Fire Department, Elks Lodge 521 donated $5,000 this week to the Timothy B. Perry Memorial Fund earmarked for mental health and wellness training for first responders. Firefighter say that 22-year fire department veteran Perry lost his battle with mental health in April 2017 and his family created the fund to increase the awareness of stress faced by first responders.

The Timothy B. Perry Memorial Fund brings in speakers and instructors who have either worked in public safety or have worked closely with the first responder community. Columbus Fire Chief Andy Lay said that the fund is being used this week to provide firefighters with education on sleep disorders that first responders commonly face.

Lay said that “Keeping our first responders well is a top priority and the generosity of the Elks will allow us to keep moving in the right direction.”

If you are interested in supporting the Timothy B. Perry Memorial Fund checks can be mailed to or dropped off at Columbus City Hall, 123 Washington St. or the administrative offices of the Columbus Fire Department, 1101 Jackson St., Columbus. Checks should be written to the City of Columbus, with “Timothy B. Perry Memorial Fund” written on the memo line.

Photo: Columbus Firefighter Justin Sims accepts a $5,000 check from Columbus Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Mike Gabbard as a donation for the Timothy B. Perry Memorial Fund in support of first responder mental health and wellness. Courtesy of Columbus Fire Department