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Group supports responders in times of need

McGinnis: ‘Give them the respect that they deserve.’

MIFFLINTOWN — Being involved in county government and law enforcement as they have, Roxann McGinnis and Cate Hoke understand how often first responders put their lives on the line for their communities.

Now, the two women have helped to found a group that intends to provide that same support for first responders in their times of need.

McGinnis, who serves as the mayor of Mifflintown, is the president of Supporting Our Heroes of Central Pennsylvania, a non-profit based out of Juniata County which serves the communities of Mifflin, Juniata and Perry counties. The group’s mission is simple.

“Most of these individuals lay their life on the line every day,” McGinnis explained. “Whether it’s EMS, fire, police, we just want to just be able to be there for them and give them the respect that they deserve.”

Not all heroes wear capes.

The idea for the group started to come together after the tragic death of Pennsylvania State Police at Lewistown Tpr. Jacques “Jay” F. Rougeau Jr. in June 2023 during a manhunt in Juniata County.

Rougeau, who had been a trooper since 2021, was shot and killed on Swamp Road in Walker Township. State police Lt. James A. Wagner was also critically injured that day.

Hoke, who recently retired from a 19 ½-year career in law enforcement, moved to Juniata County around the time of the shooting. “I just knew as a law enforcement officer, I needed to get involved,” said Hoke, who serves as the organization’s treasurer. “I saw the need and I saw people that wanted to help.”

That included Angie Keefer and her parents, who were personally touched by the events that occurred on June 17, leading them to create a memorial where the incident occurred, which is near her home at her parents’ farm.

“I reached out to Angie,” Hoke said. “I dropped off a thin blue line flag at the memorial on her property. And it immediately clicked, and our group just kind of started from there.”

The women credit Keefer with originally coming up with the idea for the support group. “Angie had a great idea and we all ran with it,” Hoke added.

“She witnessed this tragedy first hand,” McGinnis explained. “It came together after the tragedy that happened on Swamp Road at the Keefer residence, with Trooper Rougeau.

“Angie was shaken up by it immensely,” McGinnis added. “It happened on her property, and the memorial just kind of happened. It’s what normally happens when you have a tragedy like this.”

Despite the group just coming together, they have hit the ground running, holding several success fundraisers to help first responders in need.

On June 23, 2024, they held a motorcycle ride to honor the one year anniversary of Rougeau’s passing. More than 100 motorcycles and several off-road vehicles joined together for an 80-mile ride.

In September, the organization presented a check for $5,000 to Rougeau’s widow, Chloe, for the Trooper Jacques F. Rougeau Scholarship Fund.

Additionally, they held a fundraiser recently to assist a Mifflin County firefighter who suffered a heart attack and has been unable to work. “His family needed help with the gas bill, so we paid November and December,” McGinnis said. “So, the family had heat.”

They also came to the aid of a Liverpool firefighter who lost his home and his dog.

“Our goal is to keep helping people who show up and are in need,” McGinnis said.

Besides the ride, they’ve helped with basket raffles and other fundraisers. “Businesses and community members have been phenomenal in their gratitude,” McGinnis added. “Tragic events have warmed people’s hearts.”

Working in the fields that they do over the years, McGinnis and Hoke have seen a need for this type of group in the community.

“It’s wonderful to know that most people have that same exact attitude toward their neighbors and community,” McGinnis said. “It’s always been my desire to help the community, and the love for people I kind of acquired that from my dad.”

Both said the sky’s the limit for the outreach of this organization.

“Our intention is to grow as our organization grows, and far extend the support,” McGinnis explained. “If we could make this statewide, that would be fantastic. But that’s a lot of work and a lot of support.”

They are planning a community fundraising event in May. Stay tuned for details.

For more information, find them on Facebook. Donations can also be made at any Kish Bank branch and via Paypal @SupportingOurHeroes.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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