St. Martinville fire, police chiefs join forces for non-profit
Published 8:00 am Thursday, January 24, 2019
ST. MARTINVILLE — The chiefs of the St. Martinville Fire Department and Police Department are joining forces to create a non-profit designed to expose the children of fallen first responders to the great outdoors.
The group, called “Guns N Hoses Outdoors,” currently has about 20 volunteers from the law enforcement, fire, military and outdoors communities in the Teche Area. The group also has land and camp owners in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Illinois willing to help the cause.
“Although our primary focus is children of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters and veterans as well as disabled law enforcement fire and military veterans, we will also introduce anyone else to the outdoors that sends us a request,” Martin said.
Martin, who is the non-profit’s president, said the group is seeking donations from local outdoors enthusiasts to help equip those they are serving. Monetary donations are welcome, but the group is also seeking long guns, ammunition, bows and arrows, as well as a small boat with a motor and trailer.
“The guns, ammunition, bows and arrows will be used within the organization for young men and women who do not own a gun or bow,” Martin said. “The small boat will be used for duck hunting, frogging, deer hunting, camping and introducing people to the outdoors as well as boating safety.”
Aside from the outdoor experience, Martin said one of the goals is to take time to form relationships and to help guide young people.
“We also take the time while sitting in a stand, blind, boat or traveling in our vehicles to mentor the young men and women, as well as adults, on their daily life challenges and struggles,” Martin said. “Our members have all stared terror in the face and know first-hand the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and mental stress a traumatic event causes. Some of them just need a little motivation or father figure to give them advice or direction.”
Anyone interested in volunteering or offering donations to the group can reach out through email at gunsnhosesoutdoors@gmail.com.
