First responders and community members gathered in College Station on Saturday morning to raise funds for Grayson Brock, a firefighter recently diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer. The event, known as the Brock 5K, drew nearly 23,000 dollars in donations.
Brock has served with the College Station Fire Department for three years. He reported that pain began worsening a few weeks prior to the event, eventually preventing him from working. After discussing his condition with Battalion Chief Jason Giles, Brock shared his diagnosis with colleagues.
Giles stated he immediately wanted to support one of his own but needed time to determine the best approach. He chose a 5K run because Brock is an alumnus of the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Fire School and EMT School. The event was organized in a matter of weeks.
Richard Mann, the College Station Fire Chief, noted that health risks are inherent to the profession. "It’s a risk that we all face. Those of us who have been doing this for a long time probably just don’t know it yet," Mann said.
Brock expressed gratitude for the turnout. His father, Steve Brock, retired from the College Station Police Department last year after 32 years of service. He described the support as proof that crews remain united regardless of their specific department.
"We are humbled and a bit overwhelmed at how the entire community has surrounded the Brock family," Steve Brock said. "Whether they’re here running, donating, dropping off food, or feeding dogs for us. I guess the only thing you can say is thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
