Photo provided Columbus Elks Lodge #521 leaders and Columbus firefighters gather at Columbus Fire Department Station 2 for a check presentation from the Elks Lodge in support of the Timothy B. Perry Memorial Fund to support first responder mental health and wellness.
Columbus Elks Lodge 521’s board of directors have presented a $5,000 donation to support mental health and wellness initiatives for Columbus first responders. The check was presented Tuesday at Columbus Fire Station 2.
Chuck Gray, board chairman, said that the Elks Lodge conversation to support local first responders began in late 2025. Gray’s initial thought was to support the Columbus Fire Department Training Division with funds that could be used to support further firefighter training. Gray said that a chance conversation with Columbus Firefighter Justin Sims, a member of the CFD peer support and wellness committee, brought to light a potential area of focus in need of financial support.
“Justin was very passionate about the importance of the training first responders need in the area of overall wellness and the impact that the particular topic can have in keeping first responders both physically and mentally fit,” said Gray. Both Gray and Sims shared a friend who lost the battle with mental health, but whose legacy is still working to improve education and treatment for first responders.
The loss of 22-year Columbus Fire Department Veteran Timothy B. Perry in April 2017 led to an increasing awareness about the stress that can be experienced by local first responders. Perry’s family established the Timothy B. Perry Memorial Fund to earmark funds for mental health and wellness training for first responders.
Columbus Fire Chief Andy Lay attended the check presentation and shared his gratitude with the Elks Lodge for supporting firefighter wellness. Lay shared with Elk’s representatives that funding from the Timothy B. Perry Memorial Fund is being used this week to provide firefighters with education on sleep disorders that first responders commonly face and how sleep disorders can greatly impact the lives of those who do “shift work.”
Lay added that a 2019 training workshop, “Saving Those Who Save Others,” allowed first responders spouses and partners to attend to learn more on the struggles first responders may face, such as post traumatic stress disorder, addiction, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. “Keeping our first responders well is a top priority and the generosity of the Elks will allow us to keep moving in the right direction,” the chief said.
Every city of Columbus employee and their immediate family members are eligible for the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program provides six sessions annually with 24/7 confidential support for many daily living concerns. Employees can use these sessions for mental health, legal assistance, financial counseling, life coaching, and other work-life resources.
To help support the Timothy B. Perry Memorial Fund, checks can be mailed to or dropped off at Columbus City Hall, 123 Washington St. or the administrative offices of the Columbus Fire Department, 1101 Jackson St., Columbus. Checks should be written to the City of Columbus, with “Timothy B. Perry Memorial Fund” written on the memo line.
