IES Regional Manager & Fellow Firefighters Support Special Summer Camp
In addition to leading the branch offices in Shreveport, Louisiana and Longview, Texas as a Regional Manager for Industrial Electronic Supply (IES), Jeff Larsen has been serving as an unpaid member of Fire District 3 as a firefighter since 1988. And, in 2006, Jeff joined a motorcycle club founded by and for firefighters - Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club (BKMC), which was founded in Shreveport in 2003.
The club has been dedicated to supporting local and national charities from the beginning. In it's very first year, and as the very first chapter, the club raised a modest $450 and donated it to Camp I'm Still Me, a camp for young burn survivors. Since then, the club and their fundraising have grown immensely! The Shreveport chapter, which is now one of almost 50 chapters worldwide, has continued to raise money for the camp through it's Annual Burn Run. In 2024, they raised more than $110,000, bringing the total they've earned for the camp over the last 21 years to over $1,000,000!
The annual fundraising event takes place over two days every April at Lake Bistineau State Park and kicks off on the Friday night with a Crawfish boil, which now requires approximately 1,100 pounds of crawfish. Thankfully the State of Louisiana Seafood Board now donates the crawfish as a contributing sponsor of the event. And, with a family member that's a Shreveport firefighter, Shaver's now prepares all the crawfish and provides all of the sides.
In addition to the food, each year, the Shreveport BKMC chapter members organize vendors, live music, a trivia or poker run for the bikers, and the biggest fundraiser - a live auction. Like the "brothers keepers" that they are, they all come together to do what it takes to make the event a success - including Jeff, who has taken on the role of sanitation engineer at the event since his very first year with the club. And, while the event itself is great for the community, the opportunity to help support Camp I'm Still Me makes it even more impactful for all involved.
This is a free summer camp for kids (ages 5-17) who have sustained burn injuries. It offers a number of common camp activities like crafts, games, swimming, and even fishing. In addition, the campers can find comfort, support, and emotional healing, while forming lasting bonds with other burn survivors. Founded by burn specialist Dr. Kevin Sittig, the camp is staffed by healthcare professionals and firefighters, as well as adult burn survivors who serve as camp counselors. A number of firefighters and members of the Brothers Keepers Motor Cycle Club also visit the camp to present a check for the funds they raised and to enjoy a meal with the campers.
We're thankful for all Jeff and his fellow firefighters do - both on the job and in the community! And, we couldn't be more pleased that Jeff chooses to use his paid volunteer day each year to support the Burn Run and the fund raising it does for Camp I'm Still Me.
