Two-day event starts in Livermore on January 3 and moves to Alameda on January 4
Six years ago Barney Smith lost his father, who served as an Alameda County firefighter for 30 years, to suicide. In response, Smith organized a 50K hike to honor his dad and to boost “suicide awareness for people who think there is no help,” he told KRON 4 News at the time.
Now in its sixth year, the two-day 50K First Responders/Military Suicide Awareness Walk starts in Livermore on Saturday, January 3, and moves to Alameda on Sunday, January 4.
“Families and friends and everyone who needs to find a voice for this subject will be with me and I’m inviting you to join us,” Smith said. “I can tell you from experience, you’ll feel great afterwards, and you’ll meet some incredible people along the way.”
Participants can walk as little or as much as they want, Smith emphasized. “You can walk the entire route or join us for just a mile or two,” he said.
The walk starts Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Fire Station #6, 4550 East Avenue in Livermore. The route travels from Livermore through Dublin to Fire Station #2, 6300 Stoneridge Mall Road in Livermore.
On Sunday, the walk resumes at 8:30 a.m. at Alameda Police Station, 1555 Oak Street, and proceeds to Fire Station #1, 2401 Encinal Avenue at 9:30, and then moves on to Fire Station #4, 2595 Mecartney Road (Bay Farm Island).
Those who wish to donate may do so at Sweattracker online. Those who are able to donate $22 will receive a commemorative T-shirt. However, Smith emphasized that no donation is necessary. “Your presence is more than enough,” he said.
Remember, help is always available:
- Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- The Veterans Crisis Line can help even if you’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care. Call 988 and then press 1. Or text 838255.
