Lawrence first responders raise money to honor Susan Jordan

LAWRENCE (WISH) — First responders from the city of Lawrence held a fundraiser to honor the life of elementary school principal Susan Jordan Friday night.

Jordan was hit and killed while pushing students out of the way of a moving bus at Amy Elementary School earlier this year.

Firefighters and police officers got messy with a wing eating contest. For some, it was their first time eating a dozen of spicy wings in a relay race.

“What better way than on the Fourth of July weekend to have a fun-filled, light-hearted event where everybody comes together and just have a good time,” said Lawrence Police Department Chief David Hoffmann.

Around 200 people came out to cheer on the first responders. Five firefighters competed against five police officers, including the chief.

“This is the hottest sauce offered on the menu at BW3,” Hoffmann said.

The departments are raising money to add to the Susan Jordan Memorial Fund.

“Both agencies responded to that tragedy and since then obviously the foundation has been established and we wanted to help contribute to it,” Hoffmann said.

The fund received around $30,000 in donation since the tragedy on January 26.

Jordan died when a school bus jumped the curb as school was letting out. Witnesses said Jordan pushed students out of the way.

“It will be one of those days that you will always remember as a very difficult time,” said Marti Dudley, a teacher at Amy Beverland Elementary School.

She and a group of teachers came out to show their support. They also wanted to show their appreciation to the men and woman in uniform.

“We also wanted an opportunity to thank firefighters and the police officers who came on that tragic day to our school,” she said.

Dudley said they lost a great educator that day, but she knows everyone at Amy Beverland is doing their part to keep the late principal’s legacy alive.

“We were all dedicated the students and all the adults and the teachers to continuing the legacy that Mrs. Jordan developed, which she loved school, she loved reading, she loved relationships,” Dudley said.

The Lawrence Police Department took home the victory.

24-Hour News 8 is still waiting to hear back on how much money was raised from the wing eating contest.

A spokesperson for the Lawrence Township School Foundation said they are working with family and committee members to figure out the best way to use the money to support students and staff and to honor Jordan’s memory.

Click here if you would like to donate.