Portland Fire Lieutenants Robert and Scott and Firefighters Emily, John, Mark, Cal, Kelly, and Morgan from Truck 13 and Engine 13 traded their serious faces for smiles when they arrived on scene Saturday for the Buddy Walk at the Portland  Rose Quarter.

Firefighters joined over 1200 participants that filled the Rose Garden Arena’s Rose Quarter Commons.  All were excited to help kick off National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and raise funds to benefit individuals with Down syndrome during the 13^th annual walk.  

People with Down syndrome were encouraged to invite “buddies” – everyone from friends and family to teachers, legislators and celebrities – to join them at the Buddy Walk. Every participant helped promote the importance of understanding, acceptance and awareness.

Sponsored by the Northwest Down Syndrome Association (NWDSA), the walk not only serves as a platform to promote acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome, but also is an important source of revenue for NWDSA’s work in Oregon and SW Washington.

NWDSA is organized for charitable, scientific & educational purposes to provide families and individuals with Down syndrome, social opportunities, empowerment, education and information. To learn more about NWDSA, visit www.nwdsa.org.

   Portland Fire & Rescue 

   We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

   September 26, 2011 

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