On Sunday, Nov. 3, the area surrounding the East Syracuse Fire Department will be transformed into a powerful display of support for burn survivors of all ages when the 18th Annual Burn Run takes center stage.

Approximately 700 firefighters and first responders from throughout New York State will compete in nationally certified 5K and 10K races to benefit the Burn Foundation of Central New York. There is also a half mile children’s run.

The community is encouraged to participate in the race. Whether you walk, donate, or just watch from the sidelines, your involvement helps bring attention to the challenges burn survivors face and supports the health of our first responders.

John Minnick, team supervisor Liverpool Red Cross Blood Donation Center, played an important role in organizing the Burn Run. In addition to his role with the Red Cross, he has 40 years of experience as a volunteer firefighter with the East Syracuse Fire Department. The Since the Burn Run’s inception in 2006, John has served as a race director.

John explains that the Burn Run was started by the Fire Department to promote firefighters’ health and physical well-being. “The Burn Run’s wellness focus is to encourage firefighters and other medical professionals to participate in a race so that everyone benefits from a healthier lifestyle.”

In 2011, when the Burn Foundation of Central New York was formed, The East Syracuse Fire Department decided to give the proceeds of the race to the foundation. The primary function of the fund is paying for children with burn injuries to attend Burn Camp where they have an opportunity to interact with other adolescents with similar injuries and to receive emotional and physical support. A few of the other projects sponsored by the Burn Foundation are directly helping burn survivors treated at local hospitals purchase durable equipment as well as paying for services not covered by insurance.

The Burn Foundation was honored at the Central and Northern New York Chapter’s Real Heroes Celebration in 2023.

John welcomes his fellow Red Cross staff members and volunteers to attend the Burn Run. In addition to post-race food, prizes and fun, it’s an opportunity to show support for our first responders.

“The event gives the community a chance to recognize hospital health care staff, fire responders, and other agencies that play a role in saving lives on a daily basis, “ said John.

Local team members from the Red Cross have been involved with the Burn Run for the past six years. Many volunteer to help with planning and will be lending a hand on race day. Additionally, Disaster Services volunteers will be onsite providing information on fire safety and disaster preparedness, as well as collecting sign-ups for installation of free smoke alarms as part of the Home Fire Campaign.

Photo: Disaster Program Manager Maddy Clark and Disaster Services volunteer Bobbie Krukowski at the 2022 Burn Run

John spoke with Content Creation volunteer Stephen Bogdan to discuss the significance of the Burn Run.

In what ways do your volunteer firefighting and Red Cross roles enhance your participation in the Burn Run? In what ways does this event encourage individuals to think about giving blood?

The Disaster Services team responds to home fires and other incidents around-the-clock, every day. This event allows the community to acknowledge hospital medical staff, fire fighters, and other organizations that regularly save lives.

The Burn Center regularly uses donated blood every day. In order for everyone to benefit from a healthier lifestyle, the wellness goal is to organize a race for firefighters and other medical workers.

What family-friendly activities are offered at the Burn Run? Are there going to be any noteworthy displays?

There is a display of a U.S. Air Force advanced firefighting crash truck vehicle. A Medevac helicopter for folks to get into, which now carries our lifesaving blood.

What else would you like to tell us about this year’s Burn Run?

Joining us at our event is a great way to show your support and recognize the hundreds of children of all ages who have suffered terrible burns, some of which are traumatic and have permanently altered their life. Seeing our event will permanently alter your perception of these burned children.

This year’s Burn Run is on Sunday, Nov. 3 at the East Syracuse Fire Department #2, 148 Sanders Creek Parkway, East Syracuse, NY. Visit http://www.theburnrun.org/ for more information and to register.