9/13/13 - Thereâs just a short time left to cast votes in an online competition in which a Hartland Township firefighter hoping to translate his singing talents into $10,000 for his department. Walter Johnston with the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority is one of ten top finalists in Comerica Bankâs Home of the Brave National Anthem Singing Contest and he got some practice before a large crowd during this weekâs annual September 11th ceremony in Brighton. Johnston says he's been playing the piano for more than 18 years but then started focusing more on vocalism, and no one from the department really knew about his singing until this contest. It was the Brighton Area Fire Department that urged him to enter after singing the national anthem at a graduation. He tells WHMI the experience has been an incredible journey whether win or lose and the community support has been amazing. The winner of the competition will perform the National Anthem at the final Tigers regular season home game at Comerica Park on Sunday, Sept. 22nd. Theyâll also receive 40 tickets to the game but more importantly earn a $10,000 grant for their police or fire department. Supporters can vote for Johnston through midnight Saturday, September 14th on the Comerica Cares Facebook page and the winner will be named on Monday. Youâll find a link to the voting site below. (JM)
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