TheIndyChannel.com
INDIANAPOLIS-- A group of Indiana firefighters and police officers returned
home Sunday after a cross-country run to New York to raise money for those
affected by the Sept. 11 attacks.
It was an emotional journey for those who wanted to demonstrate solidarity
with their counterparts.
The run was organized by Lawrence firefighter Dino Batalis, who said that
the support that they received was incredible.
"We had teachers come out with the kids holding flags and holding up signs,"
Batalis said. "And they were chanting USA, so it just made you feel really
good to live in the United States. That's what this was about. This was done
for everybody that lives in this country."
For Indianapolis firefighter Ian Marano, it was a return trip. He was part
of the initial rescue group that went to New York following the attacks.
"It seems more like the people are coping out there now, and they're not as
overwhelmed," Marano said. "I think they're ready to just get back to a
sense of normalcy -- trying to put their lives back together."
The group raised $170,000 for the New York Relief Fund, most of which came
from Hoosiers, officials said.
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