PINEVILLE, N.C. — Volunteer Pineville firefighter Richard Sheltra was only 20 years old when he lost his life battling a blaze two-years ago this month. The solemn anniversary has become an opportunity to celebrate his life and raise money to help other firefighters in North Carolina.
"I'm not going to say it gets harder. I'm not going to say it gets easier. I just think by the grace of God you learn how to manage and deal with it," said his sister Tyler. "We miss his playfulness, his humor, and the bear hugs."
Tyler often goes to the Pineville Fire Station to visit with her brother’s friends who have now become part of her family.
"I like to make the firefighters smile when I come by," she explained.
The fire station is filled with positive memories of her brother.
"You know, it seems like just yesterday sometimes, but every day is better. Every day is better," offered Pineville Fire Chief Mike Gerin.
RELATED ARTICLES:
- Richard Sheltra Pineville Firefighter: Remembering fallen firefighter
- 20-year-old Pineville firefighter killed battling strip mall fire
- PHOTOS: Richard Sheltra Memorial 5K raises money
- Pineville bridge renamed to honor fallen firefighter Richard Sheltra
Right now, there's a final push organizing the Richard Sheltra Memorial 5K, 10K, and Fun Run happening the last Saturday in April.
"This is a big day for us," said Gerin.
The race is experiencing tremendous growth. 600 participants are expected this year and close to 200 volunteers have stepped up to host the community event. Tyler also runs in honor of her brother.
"I pray for my brother the whole time,” she said. "It's really special to have friends and family and firefighters from far away come together and honor his legacy."
All of the money raised from the event goes to the Richard Sheltra Foundation, which provides training and equipment for small-town fire fighters throughout North Carolina.
Organizers and the Sheltra family say the event wouldn’t be possible without the support of Anytime Fitness and Hendrick Honda.
You can learn more about the race and sign up here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Pineville/RichardSheltraMemorial10K5K1MileFunRun
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/VUOZMZUBWFHVJFRO7KPGFS4H34.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/3AXOBDKCMNAWRMQFQ5GTX5KOIE.jpeg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/RBU5SL2FNVCZTBWKHAQGLJWHHE.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/CB6FHPS3MNERHG5ISXJO3SOI7A.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/MQBWZXQI6NALJAAJA3RTLIUREM.png)