What you need to know
The foundation will hold the Blazing Paddles Pickleball Tournament 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 8, at Cedar Ridge High School, 2801 Gattis School Road, Round Rock.
Participants take part in competitive divisions, a youth clinic and a fire fighter exhibition match at the all-ages event. It will also include bounce houses, live music and food trucks.
Donations and registration fees will support the foundation in its mission to provide crisis relief, counseling and family support to the Round Rock Fire Department and families of its membership.
The details
The foundation was created by Diedra Brownell and RRFD Assistant Chief Wylie Brownell, who said they received an. outpouring of support from Round Rock's fire fighters and their families in a time of need.
The Brownells' said the death of their daughter, Bailey, and the support they received serve as an inspiration to ensure others in the department receive similar support, should they need it. Diedra Brownell said the foundation will provide funding for medical travel and care, as well as home repairs following disasters, as some RRFD fire fighters had their homes damaged in a March 2022 tornado.
Fire fighters will also receive mental health support through the organization, Diedra Brownell said, with inclusion of spouses. In its first year, Diedra said the organization will help provide this support with participation in a national conference for new cadets and their spouses.
In their own words
“When we lost our daughter, Bailey, the love and support from our fire family and our community showed us what true strength looks like,” Wylie Brownell said. “This foundation’s mission is to give back to the community that stood by us and ensure every fire family feels that same strength and support—both in moments of crisis and throughout their careers.”
