9/11 first responder is keynote at firefighter fundraiser

Joe Torillo, a first responder to 9/11 in New York City, will be the keynote speaker at a fundraiser to benefit an endowment honoring John Percin, Jr. of West Linn. Percin was among the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots firefighters, who died protecting the lives of others on June 30 in Yarnell, Arizona.

The benefit will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Athey Creek Middle School in West Linn. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited to the first 300 people to arrive.

Tribute to Honor is establishing an endowment with the Clackamas Community College Foundation in Percin’s honor that will benefit students in the Wildland Firefighting program. The benefit is sponsored by State Rep. Julie Parrish, Tribute to Honor and the CCC Foundation. Tribute to Honor is a local, 501c3 that was established to assist families affected by the 9/11 tragedy, which has turned its focus to helping local first responders and their families.

Percin, 25, was a graduate of West Linn High School. His parents and brother reside in West Linn.

Torillo was buried alive twice in New York on Sept. 11, 2001. He travels the world as an inspirational speaker.

For more information about the event or the Percin endowment, contact Vicki Smith with the CCC Foundation at 503-594-3128 or email vickis@clackamas.edu.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]