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Yonkers Cops, Firefighters Raise Money In Memory Of Jeff Campion

YONKERS, N.Y. -- Around 60 Yonkers policemen and firemen will be shaving their heads to raise money for pediatric cancer in memory of recently deceased firefighter and 9/11 first responder, Jeff Campion.

Jeff Campion, who took his own life last month, was an advocate for pediatric cancer research. He served the Yonkers Fire Department for 22 years, and introduced the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association to the St. Baldrick's Foundation in 2008.

Jeff Campion, who took his own life last month, was an advocate for pediatric cancer research. He served the Yonkers Fire Department for 22 years, and introduced the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association to the St. Baldrick's Foundation in 2008.

Photo Credit: Daily Voice File Photo

Campion, who took his own life last month, was a dedicated advocate of pediatric cancer research for more than 20 years. He served the Yonkers Fire Department for 22 years, and introduced the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association to the St. Baldrick's Foundation in 2008.

After four years of working with St. Baldrick's, the Yonkers PBA has raised approximately $250,000. 

St Baldrick's is a non-profit, volunteer-based charity dedicated to the research and cure of pediatric cancer. According to the charity's website, they are the No. 1 grant provider to pediatric cancer research, following only the United States government. 

To fundraise for St. Baldrick's, people form teams, agree to shave their heads, then get people to sponsor them and receive as many donations as possible.

Detective Keith Olson, president of the Yonkers PBA, said Campion, more than anybody he's ever met, really dedicated himself to childhood cancer. 

"We're taking this opportunity to honor Jeff, and what he did, not just as a firefighter but as a humanitarian. All these years with St. Baldrick's have been to honor his legacy and what he taught us: how to be generous, selfless, and help others," he said.

Most notably among this year's participants is Emily Harpur, a 10-year-old fifth-grader at Annunciation School in Yonkers who will be shaving her head along with her mother, Evelyn.

"It's one thing for guys to shave their heads, but for a 10-year-old girl to jump in? That's extraordinary. They have no personal connection to the cause, they just want to help out and jumped in," he said.

The main fundraising event will be held on Sunday, Feb. 23 at JC Fogarty's Restaurant in Bronxville at noon. It is open to the public.

Donate to the Yonkers PBA team here. 

 

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