Levi Lepinski holds the torch.

Sun Health/Nathan Kramer

Nearly two dozen people from Surprise Fire-Medical Station 302 and Sun Health participated in a ride-along to support the American Heart Association’s inaugural West Valley Torch Journey.

Sun Health, which is a “Live Fierce. Take Action” West Valley Heart Walk sponsor, teamed with the Station 302 representatives and Sun Health staff Oct. 20 for the event that began at Surprise Fire Station 302, 18600 N. Reems Road, and ended at the Sun Health Center for Health and Wellbeing, 14719 W. Grand Ave.

The riding partners spotlighted the importance of heart health, lifesaving-education and the role first responders have in keeping the community healthy and safe.

Sun Health Director of Communications and Community Engagement Madeleine Goff noted the shared interest between the Surprise Fire-Medical staff and Sun Health employees  in promoting healthier lives within the community.

“With approximately 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring in the United States each year, the American Heart Association’s Torch Journey serves as an important reminder of the power of lifesaving education and the opportunity to equip everyday people with the knowledge and confidence to become lifesavers in the event of a cardiac emergency,” Goff stated.

Goff added how meaningful the ride-along was as an opportunity to pair with local first responders to support the American Heart Association’s West Valley Torch Journey.

"Beyond raising awareness about heart health and the importance of CPR, it gave us a chance to recognize and thank the dedicated men and women responsible for saving lives in our community every day,” she said.

The American Heart Association’s 10-week Torch Journey culminates to the West Valley Heart Walk Nov. 14, at Goodyear Civic Square.