Heart of Texas EMS, Brownwood Municipal Police Association and the Brownwood Professional Firefighters Association are slugging it out in a Home Run Derby fundraiser for Brownwood firefighter Jake Landess. The event will be held at the Bert Massey II Sports Complex softball fields beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13th.
44-year-old Landess joined Brownwood Fire Department in 2001 and was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He has been hospitalized at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas for more than a month enduring aggressive treatment. With hospital bills growing, local emergency responders are coming to his aid with multiple fundraisers.
The Home Run Derby is open to the public, ages 13 and up. There will be two divisions, Teenage: 13-18 and Adult: 19 and over. The teenage derby starts at 7:00 p.m., followed by a firefighters verses law enforcement baseball game. Immediately following the game, the adult derby will begin.
Prizes will be awarded. Proceeds will be divided 25% for players and 75% to Jake Landess.
During the event, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available by donation and there will be a silent auction.
Those interested in participating in the Home Run Derby can register by calling 325-998-3217 or entering at the event.
Those who wish to make a monetary donation or donate an item to the silent auction, please call 325-998-3217.
Friends and coworkers of Landess have established a Facebook page, Fighting for Jake Landess, which will continue to have updated information about upcoming fundraisers for Landess. A benefit account has also been set up for Landess at TexasBank. Donations may be made at TexasBank in Brownwood or dropped off at Brownwood Fire Stations at the following locations:
Station 1: 809 Main Street, 325-646-6743
Station 2: 1511 Indian Creek Road, 325-646-5012
Members of BPFFA stated that those wishing to donate may also give either station a phone call and they will be happy to pick up donations.
Pictured is Landess as he surveyed damage at a recent wreck in Brownwood.