This program was recommended by Optimist International as a special event in the fall of 2005. It relates to Respect for Law in that it promotes awareness of the contribution public servants make to communities across the nation and around the world. The Timonium Optimist Club has continued to conduct a Hug A Hero program each year.
The Timonium Optimists celebrate Hug A Hero Month in October by recognizing the outstanding service of a member of the Baltimore County firefighting community. The honoree may be a paid- or volunteer-firefighter or paramedic. Members of the fire service appreciate the award because it is meaningful to be recognized by the broader community.
This year’s honoree, Dale Richardson, was recognized at the Timonium Optimist Hug A Hero dinner on Mon., Oct. 1, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Timonium Holiday Inn Select. A career firefighter at Texas Station #17, Dale was instrumental in outfitting a new piece of fire apparatus with specialized equipment that would be needed for a quick response to any emergency.