Members of Team Powers, including Avon firefighters, police officers, and community members participated in the 9th annual BFit Challenge held on Feb. 2 at the TD Garden in support of first responder and military wellness. (Photo courtesy Avon Firefighters IAFF Local 3857)
AVON — Fire Chief David Charest and Police Chief Jeffrey Bukunt are proud to report that a team made up of eight members of the Avon Fire Department, Avon Police Department, and the Avon community raised $2,905 as part of the 9th annual BFit Challenge. They joined more than 2,700 participants from around the region to support fellow first responders and military members on matters of health and wellness.
The 9th annual BFit Challenge took place on Feb. 2 at the TD Garden. It generated $1.1 million for first responder and military charities, making this year’s event the largest one to date.
The Avon team, named Team Powers, consisted of six members of the Avon Fire and Police Departments, along with two community participants. The group ran in memory of Avon Firefighter Justin Powers, an Army veteran who passed away in December. Team members wore T-shirts with an image of Powers in Army fatigues, paying tribute to his patriotic service to the country and the community. Funds raised by Team Powers went to the nonprofit Home Base, which supports military veterans with “invisible wounds,” such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
“It was incredibly moving to see our team come together for this critically important cause,” said Fire Chief David Charest. “The support from our department, our community, and the Powers family was truly inspiring. This event highlights the importance of looking out for one another, both on and off the job.”
The event saw Team Powers and the rest of the BFit Challenge participants run — or walk — up and down a gauntlet of stairs, circling around the arena, up 22 flights to the top of TD Garden.
“I want to commend every member of Team Powers for their dedication in taking on this challenge,” said Police Chief Jeffrey Bukunt. “Not only did they push themselves physically, but they also raised critical funds and awareness for a very important cause. Their commitment to supporting their fellow first responders is something we should all applaud.”
Former Bruins players, including Patrice Bergeron, Adam McQuaid, and Andrew Raycroft, were also in attendance and participated in the challenge to show their solidarity with the cause.
This was the first time Avon Fire and Police participated in the BFit Challenge. But the two Avon departments plan to repeat the feat next year at the 10th annual BFit Challenge.
In addition to two community members, Team Powers included Fire Capt. Julie Burns, Fire Capt. Dan Wauhob, Fire Capt. Matt Lucio, Police Officer Joubert Barbosa, Police Officer Lee Crosby and Police Dispatcher Chelsea Filippini.
The Avon team was greeted at the finish line by the Powers family, making the event even more meaningful and highlighting the importance of the cause.
“To have Justin’s family there at the finish line meant everything to us,” said Avon Fire Capt. Burns. “We ran in his honor, and their presence was a powerful reminder of why events like this matter. We are incredibly grateful for their support and for everyone who donated to this cause.”
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