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.

About the Author

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP