Pye-Barker’s DAYTONA 500 tribute for fallen firefighters
Iain Hoey
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Pye-Barker partners on DAYTONA 500 tribute helmet
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is set to reveal an all-new “Helmet of Heroes” tribute during the DAYTONA 500 race weekend.
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety announced the initiative alongside the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and Carvana, with Johnson driving the Carvana No. 84.
Johnson said: “Growing up in El Cajon, I saw firsthand how much firefighters mean to their communities.
“I’ve always said that if racing hadn’t worked out, I would have wanted to be a firefighter.
“The courage, selflessness, and commitment it takes to do that job is something I deeply respect.
“The Helmet of Heroes is about honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and standing with the families who continue to carry their legacy every day.”
Programme links to NFFF mission and Staff Rides
Through the Helmet of Heroes programme, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is honouring the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), which was created by the U.S. Congress to honour fallen firefighters, support their families and reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries.
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety’s partnership with the NFFF is linked to its “What Matters” community impact platform, with support directed to the NFFF’s Staff Rides programme.
The Staff Rides programme brings firefighters to the sites of past line-of-duty tragedies to learn lessons intended to help prevent future loss.
Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, said: “Our business was founded on protecting lives, property, and communities, and our team members across the nation take that mission to heart.
“Partnering with organizations like the NFFF and programs like Helmet of Heroes helps us extend our commitment, supporting initiatives that truly save lives and recognize those who make our communities stronger.”
Fire Hero Families hosted and helmet to be auctioned
As part of the DAYTONA 500 initiative, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB will host two NFFF representatives during race weekend, named as Jessica Seaburg and Marisa Harris Boykin.
Seaburg and Boykin lost their fathers, Kevin Seaburg and Clifford Harris, in the line of duty as children and now serve as peer supporters for Fire Hero Families.
They are also co-founders of the Children of the Legends Facebook group, described as a supportive community for children of fallen firefighters.
After the race, Johnson’s DAYTONA 500 Helmet of Heroes will be auctioned by the Foundation, with proceeds set to benefit NFFF programmes and its mission.
Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, said: “To see fallen firefighters honored on a stage as big as the DAYTONA 500 means a great deal to the families we serve.
“This tribute keeps the memories of our nation’s Fire Heroes alive, highlights the ongoing need to support their loved ones, and inspires us to deliver on our mission.
“We’re grateful to Jimmie Johnson, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and all the partners for coming together to make this happen.”