Jumpers Brave Icy Waters for Good Cause

Check out Patch's highlight reel of the best jumps from this weekend's Fairways at Twin Lakes Polar Bear Plunge event in Kent.

In the name of a good cause, scores of jumpers plunged into freezing water Sunday at the inaugural Fairways at Twin Lakes Polar Bear Plunge.  80 thrillseekers took the plunge, raising over $2,400 for the Don Beckett Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to Roosevelt High School graduates with an interest in the medical field, the Record Courier reports.  Kent firefighters were on hand Sunday in support of Beckett – a Kent fireman who lost a battle with cancer in 2011 – and to ensure swimmer safety.  Editor's Note: Special thanks to Josh York, of Bike Ninja media, for the waterproof footage.  

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Polar Plunge Set to Make a Splash in Kent

Proceeds from The Fairways at Twin Lakes Polar Bear Plunge will benefit the Don Beckett Memorial Scholarship fund.

Canon ball, jackknife, or somersaulting swan dive: How will you take the plunge? Next Sunday, the public is invited to grab a swimsuit and make a splash at the inaugural Polar Bear Plunge at The Fairways at Twin Lakes.  After a quick icy dip, participants can enjoy homemade chili, live music and compete in the longest drive golf contest, according to David Beck, the event organizer and owner of Twin Lakes. All proceeds from the event will support the Don Beckett Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded on a yearly basis to one Roosevelt High School graduate with a fervent interest in the medical field.  "We're excited for the opportunity to support the Beckett scholarship and to give the Kent community a fun activity on a cold Sunday …

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Mars

1:29 pm on Tuesday, February 19, 2013

What type of parent would prevent their children from experiencing harmless fun while supervised by firefighters and other adults? A lot better than finding out your children were out and about by the river and decided to make dares (as kids do) and find themselves freezing to death in the river without anyone nearby to help. Polar bear plunges are fun. Not for me anymore but boy oh boy, I have …   more ›

Video: Funeral Procession for Kent Firefighter Don Beckett

15 fire trucks and other emergency vehicles escorted Beckett's body after his funeral Monday

Fire trucks from the Kent Fire Department and surrounding communities escorted the body of Kent firefighter Don Beckett through the city Monday following his funeral at Riverwood Community Chapel. The procession stretched down Fairchild Avenue from the church to Majors Lane and carried his body beneath a ladder truck arch near the intersection of Fairchild Avenue and North Mantua Street. Beckett, 53, died Wednesday after an 11-month battle with cancer. Scroll down to read Beckett's blogs here on Kent Patch.

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Funeral Services for Don Beckett

Beckett died Wednesday after battling cancer

Calling hours for Don Beckett, retired Kent firefighter, will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at Theodore Roosevelt High School auditorium. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Oct. 24 at Riverwood Community Chapel. Beckett died Wednesday after battling esophageal cancer for several months. Memorial contributions can be made to Kent Firefighters Association Benevolent Fund, 320 S. DePeyster St., Kent OH 44240. Beckett is survived by his wife, Heidi Joy (Hosterman) Beckett, whom he married on July 31, 1982; son, Ryan Beckett of Brimfield; daughter, Christy Beckett of Brimfield; mother, Shirley Beckett of Akron; brother, David (Terri) Beckett of Hagerstown, MD; and nephew, Benjamin Beckett of Hagerstown, MD. He was …

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Snapshot: Fire Department, City Honors Beckett

Firefighter Don Beckett lost his battle with cancer Wednesday

The flag at the Kent Fire Department and City Hall flew at half staff Friday after the passing of Don Beckett. The recently retired firefighter died Wednesday after suffering a long fight with esophageal cancer.

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Don Beckett: A Firefighter who Inspired a Community

Beckett, 53, lost his battle with cancer Wednesday

I didn't know Don Beckett nearly as well as most of you who are reading this. For me, that's an unfortunate fact. Beckett, 53, lost his 11-month battle with cancer Wednesday. I first met Don in January, just a few weeks after his diagnosis with esophageal cancer. I was interviewing Don about a trip members of the Kent fire and police departments arranged for him and his wife, Heidi. It was an all expenses paid trip to see the 2011 Sugar Bowl, which saw Beckett's favorite Ohio State University Buckeyes beat the University of Arkansas Razorbacks in dramatic fashion. The diagnosis was somewhat bewildering to Beckett because he didn't smoke or drink and, instead, enjoyed a life filled with cycling, hiking and kayaking. "I don’t have any of the…

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Colin McEwen

2:14 pm on Monday, October 24, 2011

Thanks for sharing this story, Matt.   more ›

Kent Firefighter Loses Battle to Cancer

Don Beckett retired in August after 23 years on the fire department

Kent firefighter Don Beckett lost his 11-month battle with cancer today. Beckett's fight with cancer started in December, when doctors found a tumor in his esophagus. He's been undergoing aggressive treatments since, and in August he was forced to retire from the Kent Fire Department. His Facebook page evolved into a memorial today as friends and family posted farewell messages. Look for the full obituary Thursday on Kent Patch.

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Barbara A. Barkley

10:18 pm on Wednesday, October 19, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Beckett's family and friends. He is a true hero. My brother lost his six-year battle with throat cancer last December at the age of 48. His passing left such a void in our lives, but we have been able to find some comfort in knowing his pain and suffering are over.   more ›

PHOTOS: Firefighter Honored at Retirement Gathering

Don Beckett greeted friends and well-wishers Thursday at Kent's Fire Station One

Friends and family gathered around Don Beckett to wish him well in his retirement Thursday night at Kent Fire Station One. Beckett, who is battling esophageal cancer, retired in August after 23 years as a firefighter in Kent. The decision to retire because of his cancer was a difficult one that Beckett wrote about on his blog here on Kent Patch. His wife, Heidi, gave a brief update on his medical condition. She told the crowd, which filled the station's basement, that they were stopping chemotherapy treatment until he could put on some more weight and regain some of his strength. The esophageal cancer makes eating solid foods almost impossible — something that makes therapy even more difficult. On a positive note, Heidi said they were …

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Around Town and Gown

Meet our Newest Blogger: Don Beckett

The Kent firefighter battling cancer updates us on his condition in his first blog for Kent Patch

When I first met Don Beckett, we were sitting in the kitchen of Kent's West Side Fire Station. Don slowly peeled and ate an orange while I interviewed him about his battle with esophageal cancer — a condition that makes eating incredibly painful. I was struck by the fact that this man was fighting a raging internal battle with his own body, yet he was still working full-time as a firefighter-paramedic in Kent. It's a job that can wrench you out of bed at 3 a.m. and send you to an accident scene or into a burning building. I remember asking myself if I could continue to do a job where people may rely on me for their lives when I'm battling for my own. Sure enough, in the middle of our interview the department's call tones rang out and Don …

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