LOCAL DEPUTY LANDS $19,000 FROM TV HOST
Friday, March 20th, 2009 -- 11:29 AM
All of Clark County will benefit as a Sheriff?s official is honored by a nationally syndicated TV talk show host.Chief Deputy Jim Backus was named one of ?Jenny?s Heroes? Thursday afternoon.
Jenny Jones had a long career as a musician, comedienne and talk show host, but has most recently become a philanthropist. Since last year, Jones has picked one worthwhile applicant per week to grant a wish of up to $25,000 for the common good.
Backus recently applied for $19,000 through Jones? foundation to purchase 368 high visibility safety vests and flares for the county?s 500-plus emergency responders.
He was told to show up at the Loyal Fire station to have a meeting with Congressman Ron Kind about stimulus money.
"It's not Congressman Kind's office, it's Jenny Jones' office. I'm looking for Jim Backus. Is he there?" Jones said over a speakerphone, "Hi Jim. I have some good news. You got that $19,000 grant for all those vests."
A crowd of law enforcement officials, emergency responders and friends and family were on hand Thursday.
Jones told Backus she reads all the applications and was especially moved by his.
"When I read this one, I said we absolutely have to do this one," Jones said, "It just seems like this is going to help a lot of people and, somewhere down the line, save a life."
Along with the new vests, Backus award will also provide 25 sets of new battery-operated turbo-flares to replace the traditional flares, which are dangerous during dry summers or if there is fuel spillage at scenes. The turbo flares are safer and much brighter than traditional flares.
[url=http://www.jennysheroes.com]Jenny's Heroes[/url]
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