Police/Fire Ballgame to Benefit Fallen Firefighter`s Family
May 07--EDMOND -- Members of an Edmond family living without a husband and father who served his community as a firefighter will benefit from an annual charity game.
Police spokeswoman Jenny Monroe said members of the late Edmond Fire Capt. John Werhun's family will benefit from the second annual Battle of the Brave cops vs. firefighters baseball game. It will begin at 1:30 p.m. June 1 at Edmond North High School, 215 W. Danforth.
Monroe said there will be a silent auction and T-shirts will be for sale. Those who would like to contribute an item for the Battle of the Brave auction may email Monroe at Jennifer.Monroe@edmondok.com.
Friday afternoon, Edmond North players Carter Randolph, Cole Ballinger, Aaron Garner and Carson McColl were at their baseball field for a charity game photo opp. Garner, who played in last year's game, said he and his teammates appreciate the opportunity to host it this year.
"It was pretty fun," Garner said. "It's a nice thing to do, for everybody to come out and play."
Firefighter-Paramedic Lindall Wood also played last year in the inaugural game. He reminded Police Officer Randy Payne, who was within earshot, that the Fire Department team was victorious.
"The main focus is to support a good cause, the Werhun family. It's good to join with the PD because they've lost somebody close to their family," Wood said referring to the death of Matt Terry.
In October, the Edmond Police Department's Matt Terry Memorial Softball Tournament benefited members of the detective's family.
Payne urged residents to come out and support the Werhun family at the game.
"The Fire Department and the Police Department work well together," Payne said. "It's a lot of fun, and we really give each other a hard time for a good cause."
'HE WAS A ROLE MODEL'
Werhun was remembered last week and honored by the handing out of an award bearing his name during an Edmond Fire Department awards banquet. The award is given to someone who, like Werhun, displays fortitude, determination, discipline and commitment to others.
"John was committed to his family and put up a heroic fight with cancer while maintaining a great attitude and outlook on life," emcee Kelly Ogle said. "He showed great determination as he continued to work and keep life normal for those around him."
Fire Chief Jake Rhoades said after Werhun was diagnosed with colon cancer, he continued working until he died at the age of 42 on April 27, 2013.
"He was a role model in dealing with adversity and demonstrated life lessons that we should all learn from," Rhoades said.
Rhoades read quotes from others about Werhun. They included sentiments about his quick response and ever-lasting willingness to serve, his quick smile.
He was the epitome of the word "courage," illustrated in a willingness to put himself in harm's way at a moment's notice to save the life of another.
"In John's case, he displayed more courage than any other individual I've ever met because of the way he not only battled cancer, but the way he conducted himself through that bout," Rhoades said while he was reading the quotes from others.
Rhoades said Werhun used his natural mechanical talents serving on a department apparatus committee and in outfitting new apparatus. He volunteered for other committees and other duties and served as local union president.
Werhun was dedicated to his job, but first and foremost he was a loving husband and father, Rhoades said. John married Joyce on Aug. 12, 1995, and they have two daughters, Jessica and Jamie.
"He didn't go out with the boys, but instead he had family night out with his girls that made him happier than anything," Rhoades said.
His greatest blessing was becoming a dad, Rhoades said. He was a dad who played dress up and Barbies, took his girls on date nights and reminded them every chance he got they couldn't date boys until they were 30, Rhoades quipped.
He never missed one of their school events until he was diagnosed with cancer, and then he would force a smile and make every event he could, Rhoades said.
During that battle, he made every single moment with his girls count, making good memories and showing how God was present in their lives and never giving up, Rhoades said.
"He did this for them, not himself," Rhoades said.
"He wanted his girls to remember that he gave everything he had for them. He spent his last week of life having date night with each of them from the living room telling them what he loved about them. His family was the center of his universe and he was the center of theirs."
Rhoades said Werhun continues to teach members of the Edmond Fire Department every day since his death about the truly important things in life -- God, family, job.
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