By LAURA CIRILLO
For Potomac Local News
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — The Kyle Wilson Walk for Fitness is unlike most other walks for a cause within the community.
The first firefighter in the Prince William County fire and rescue department’s 41-year history to die in the line of duty, Kyle Wilson is remembered this year with a 10K memorial walk, just as he has been each year since 2008.
The event, which is free for all particiants, begins and ends at C.D. Hylton High School, where Wilson graduated in 2000. Leaving from the school’s football stadium, event goers will head north on Spriggs Road towards Hoadly Road, then circle back to the school to complete the course.
Wilson was one of the first responders on the scene of a three-alarm fire at 15474 March Overlook Drive in Woodbridge in the early morning of April 16, 2007. Wilson lost his life searching for occupants who were possibly still trapped inside the burning home.
A later investigation determined that Wilson and another firefighter were separated after the roof and ceiling collapsed, and that Wilson became trapped in the rapidly spreading fire. All seven occupants were able to escape the fire without injury; however, rescuers were unable to locate Wilson after his emergency radio calls for help. Wilson was 24-years-old.
Prior to the first annual memorial walk, the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue approached the Wilson family, asking if there was anything that they could do to help. Because Wilson was so passionate about fitness, the idea to hold an annual community walk was born.
With the help of corporate donations, and financial support from local businesses, friends, family and local residents, the family has been able to raise between $10,000 and $13,000 annually toward the Kyle Wilson Memorial Scholarship Endowment at George Mason University’s School of Recreation, Health & Tourism.
Each year, interested GMU students have the opportunity to submit an application package, which are reviewed by a committee that selects an individual to receive the athletic training program scholarship. It is the same program where Wilson received his degree before joining the fire department in January 2006.
“To see the continued support we receive from the community, and knowing that everyone shows up to honor Kyle and support our cause is very heartfelt,” said the fallen firefighter’s father, Bob Wilson.
“I’m sure he would run the event and would want to finish first!” he added. Participants have the option to run or walk the course.
For Wilson’s sister, Kelli Gray, the best part of the event is seeing friends and family, as well as people from all over the community come together to keep her brother’s memory alive.
“I remember the first year’s walk on Prince William Parkway,” Gray recalls. “It literally took my breath away to look behind me and see a huge line of people following, all in honor of Kyle. It truly was remarkable and very touching.”
The 6th annual Kyle Wilson 10K Walk for Fitness will take place this Saturday, April 20, at C.D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge. Participants can register on location starting at 9 a.m., or online at kylewilsonmemorial.com. The walk begins at 10 a.m., and raffle winners are announced at noon.
