HILO, Hawaii – Hundreds took off at Liliuokalani Park in Hilo on Saturday, participating in the popular Hawai’i Fire Department EMS Run.

This was the 13th time the fun run and walk has been held. The event celebrates Emergency Medical Services Week, and features a 5K Family Fun Run and 2-Mile Walk. In the video above, Tim Bryan interviews Fire Chief Darren Rosario.

EMS Week is celebrated nationwide, and brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety, and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of the medical “front line.”

The event also serves as a fundraiser. One of the beneficiaries of the EMS Run is the Greg Cameron Fireman’s Fund, a non-profit fund that will be used to help firefighter’s families that need help while fighting hardship and disease. (Website: www.tgcff.com)

The winner of the 5K was Billy Barnett, a resident of Puna.

The days events also included a Keiki Fun Run, a non-competitive event for children ages 3 to 10. A Health Fair was also held.

The County of Hawai’i says last year, county EMS responded to 15,310 calls for assistance island wide. To learn more about your local EMS Bureau, please call 961-8319. They also have a website devoted to the EMS Run at HawaiiEMSRun.com