Run honors memory of young drowning victim

FELIDA — The family of a young Felida boy who died in an accidental drowning while on vacation in California last year has organized a run to honor him.

The Jackie Cy 5K Felida Run is scheduled July 6 at Felida Park, with the kids 1 mile fun run beginning at 10 a.m. and the 5k beginning at 10:30 a.m.

All of the proceeds from the event benefit Clark County Fire District 6, with a goal of raising $10,000 to purchase a robotic fire engine used to teach children fire safety.

Jackson Cy Watson died in June 2013, 15 days shy of his fourth birthday. He had celebrated his third birthday at the Fire District 6 Felida fire station, a day his mother said he thoroughly enjoyed.

“He got to run around the fire station and play on the fire trucks,” Rebecca Watson said. “That was a really great day.”

The reason for the event and donation to the fire station, however, is rooted in the family’s experience with first responders the day that Jackson Watson died.

“I just have an entire new appreciation for the fire department and for any public service workers in regards to medical care,” Rebecca Watson said. “They just took over and tried to save him. I can’t imagine doing that every single day. … I want the community to know what they do for them.”

To register for the event or to get more information, please visit www.jackiecy5k.com.