Eric Alvarez, Fox 17 News
A last will and testament isn't something most people like to think about, but Saturday, the organization Wills for Heroes helped close to 70 Wilson County first responders file those important documents.
Following the 10th anniversary of a crash that claimed the lives of two first responders, it was the organization’s way of remembering those lost in the line of duty, and of offering a vital service to those that continue to risk their lives every day.
Lt. detective Ricky Knight and his wife Mindy knew they needed a will and testament.
“If you're in law enforcement, you leave every day not knowing if you're going to come home,” Mindy Knight said.
That's why they went the Wilson County Criminal Justice Center Saturday, where volunteer attorneys provided wills to some 70 first responders and their spouses.
The documents normally cost between $500 and $600, but Wills for Heroes provided them free of charge.
"Just having this weight off your shoulders is wonderful, Knight said. “Knowing that they've done this for us is a big deal to me because we weren't ready."
Saturday's event came just 11 days after the 10-year anniversary of a deadly crash here on Interstate 40 that claimed the lives of sheriff's deputy John Musice and Mt. Juliet police sergeant Jerry Mundy.
“To lose two men at the same time on the same morning, I think that makes everybody stop and realize what can happen,” said Anita Goff, president of the 100 Club of Wilson County, an organization that formed after the deadly crash and sponsored Saturday’s event.
“This is not something that anybody wants to think about, but who needs to think about it more than a first responder,” Goff said.
Mike Kurtz worked alongside Musice at the sheriff's department before becoming an attorney. He spent his Saturday writing will after will, because he knows first-hand what the police, firefighters and EMTs go through every day.
“That's why we want to give back to them so they won't have to take that extra time or spend that extra money that they may or may not have,” Kurtz said.
Nashville attorney Jimmy Musice, some of John Musice also volunteered in honor of his father, Kurtz said.