UPDATE: Jan. 29 at 11 a.m.
Camp Hero Kentucky completed 440 free rides for healthcare workers during this weekend's winter storm, helping doctors and nurses reach hospitals safely despite hazardous road conditions across Lexington and Fayette County.
The volunteer organization received 1,063 ride requests over three days as Central Kentucky faced dangerous snow and ice conditions. Volunteer drivers each logged more than 50 hours navigating treacherous roads to transport essential healthcare staff to hospitals and care facilities.
"I couldn't be prouder of the effort, sacrifice, and heart shown by our volunteer drivers and coordinators," Rocco Besednjak said.
Besednjak serves as founder and executive director of Camp Hero Kentucky.
"Our team stepped up without hesitation, operating in extremely challenging conditions so others could do their jobs and care for our community," Besednjak said.
The winter storm ride program operates at no cost to healthcare workers and relies entirely on volunteer coordination and support. Camp Hero's transportation service has become a critical safety net during severe weather events in the region.
With the storm response mission complete, Camp Hero leaders are transitioning to their next project. Besednjak and board member Michael Poynter are traveling to Washington, D.C., where they will meet with U.S. government officials and visit the Rwandan Embassy as part of a business trip representing United Global Security Solutions, LLC.
"Different mission. Same purpose," Besednjak said. "Serve. Build. Protect."
Camp Hero Kentucky encourages residents to continue supporting first responders and healthcare workers and to remain vigilant during winter weather events.
Original Story:
A central Kentucky nonprofit is stepping up this weekend to make sure healthcare workers can get to work safely during winter weather.
Camp Hero is offering free transportation services, even launching a new app to streamline ride requests for healthcare staff in Fayette County.
Rocco Besednjak founded Camp Hero to give back to wounded veterans and first responders. This weekend, he's extending that mission by providing free rides to work for healthcare staff facing challenging road conditions.
Snowy roads will be no match for his Ram 2500 Power Wagon and his drive to help the community.
"Having a servant's heart, I'm rewarded by doing things for others," Besednjak said.
This isn't the first year Besednjak has offered free rides, but he is making the process easier for healthcare workers in Fayette County. He programmed an app workers can use to schedule pickups.
"It would take all their information, where they need to go, and when," Besednjak said.
With three vehicles ready to go, he estimates they'll complete 160 rides Monday through Saturday, covering hundreds of miles across Lexington.
"It's well worth it to me, just to be able to know I'm helping people out and giving them a way to get to work safely when they didn't have one otherwise," Besednjak said.
The free rides are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. They're also limited to within Fayette County lines.
