GREEN COVE SPRINGS — The Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 donated a check for $1,000 to the Signal 35 Fund for the very first time on Oct. 27.

The presentation took place at the Elks’ weekly charity bingo night, which makes donations like this one possible.

The Signal 35 Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting first responders in Clay County with financial assistance in their times of need. Although this is the first time that the Elks have donated to this specific organization, they have a long history of community involvement.

“The Elks’ mission is to make a meaningful difference in our communities,” said Jennifer Parker, trustee on the Elks’ Board of Directors. “Whether supporting veterans and first responders, investing in our youth or helping families in need, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 has proudly upheld that commitment for more than 70 years.”

Retired firefighter and current Signal 35 Fund Board Member Scotty Taylor was there to accept the check. For Taylor, his motivation to be part of the nonprofit is personal. He started his career as a firefighter in Orange Park. After 40 years and three departments, he knows firsthand the sacrifices that first responders make for the community.

“It’s good to be able to help public safety folks and law enforcement and firefighters and paramedics. You don’t get into that for the money. You get into it because you want to help people,” Taylor said. “You’re always there. In the worst possible time that someone has, they can always count on fire rescue and paramedics and law enforcement coming to help them out.”

The Signal 35 Fund was founded by local law enforcement officers but has since expanded to include all personnel involved with public safety in Clay County. The board gives up to $1,000 at a time to these individuals, and, depending on the unique need, can get the money to them immediately. This fund fills the gaps, providing financial assistance when other funds or benefits are not dispersed quickly enough.

“We had a deputy that was involved in an accident, and his wife and family was up in New York visiting their family,” Taylor said. “When it happened, he was in critical condition, so we gave them $1,000 to fly his wife back to Florida that evening so she could be with her husband.”

Taylor also spoke about a Clay County firefighter whose family was affected by the recent earthquake in Venezuela. His mother and uncle were living in Venezuela and trapped in their home. Through the Signal 35 Fund, the firefighter was able to be there for his family in the aftermath. 

Whether the issue is traveling expenses, medical expenses or any kind of personal tragedy, the mission of the Signal 35 Fund is to respond when Clay County first responders and their families need it most.

 “We are honored to give back to those who dedicate themselves to protecting and serving our communities," Parker said.

The name “Signal 35” refers to Clay County’s radio call code for “officer needs assistance.” For community members interested in answering the call, visit signal35.org to learn more or make a donation. 

If you know a member of public safety personnel who is experiencing hardship or a personal emergency, you can also reach out directly to the Signal 35 Fund Board Members via their phone numbers listed on their Facebook page. 

“It’s us helping local public safety people,” Taylor said. “We’ve had a tremendous response from local organizations, and so we’re very, very thankful for them doing that.”