Firefighters in Jacksonville made sure a 4-year-old whose father passed away in a car accident before their first 5K together didn't have to run alone on Saturday.

Chris Swary, a 14-year JFRD veteran and father of two, signed up to run the 5K with his daughter Hailey before he was killed in a car accident in February.

Swary was engaged and had two daughters. One of his favorite activities before his death was participating in fun runs with Hailey.

Swary’s friends and former colleagues met Hailey and her family at the St. Johns Town Center and ran by her side to show their support.

The Cupcake Run was Hailey’s first 5K.

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Travelers walk around the baggage claim in the South Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Atlanta is among the airports where the FAA will reduce flights due to the shutdown, and airports are facing a shortage of air traffic controllers. 
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez