WILKES-BARRE, Pa., April 23, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northeastern Pennsylvania residents rallied together early yesterday to show their support for the Hanover Township Fire Department. The Ladders and Laces 5k coupled with Navient employee contributions, helped raise $20,000 to support the local fire department’s efforts in maintaining safe communities.
“The folks that are here today and the folks from Navient are our heroes,” said Joseph Temerantz, department chief, Hanover Township Fire Department. “For all the things that we do, it is not often we get a pat on the back and we do get a pat on the back from these folks. It means a lot to us.”
The 3.1 mile race attracted a record-breaking attendance of 250 community members, runners and volunteers to rally for the cause.
The 5k run extended through Lasley Avenue, New Commerce Boulevard and Stewart Road, ending at Robinson Circle.
“We’re honored to bring our community together to support the Hanover Township Fire Department,” said Lisa Stashik, Wilkes-Barre center head and vice president, Navient. “This is our way of giving back to our brave fire fighters who volunteer and risk their lives to keep our community safe.”
At the race, the department debuted their new state-of-the-art fire engine, made possible in part thanks to proceeds from last year’s race.
In addition to the 5k, employees raised funds to support the fire department through Navient's popular Jeans BeCause program. The program allows participating employees a "pass" to dress casually on certain days.
This year’s proceeds will be used to purchase life-saving equipment including life vests for the department’s water rescue program.
Navient team members in Wilkes-Barre created the Ladders and Laces community run after an electrical fire broke out at the company’s Hanover Industrial Park center in 2014. Due to the fire department’s quick action, no injuries occurred and damage was minimized.
In total, the annual event, coupled with Navient employee contributions, has raised more than $51,000 to support not only a fire truck but also a new fire house unveiled in January 2018.
Connect with @Navient on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Medium.
About Navient
Navient (Nasdaq:NAVI) is a leading provider of asset management and business processing solutions for education, healthcare and government clients at the federal, state and local levels. The company helps its clients and millions of Americans achieve financial success through services and support. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Navient employs team members in western New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and other locations. Learn more at navient.com.
Contact:
Media: Brianna Huff, 302-283-2973, brianna.huff@navient.com
NAVICP
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/41f28455-7da6-4753-b196-d841c309ee62