POCATELLO This year’s Fourth of July Parade in Pocatello included a special float dedicated to the Bill Parrish Family, which paid respect to four members of the cherished family who perished in a 2014 carbon monoxide poisoning event. The float promoted initiatives to increase awareness about carbon monoxide safety while serving as a reminder of the lives lost and their legacy.
The Chubbuck Lions Club, which has long supported the family and their cause, organized the memorial float and entered it in the parade. Along with messages on carbon monoxide safety and forthcoming events that carry on the family’s legacy, the float featured pictures of Bill, Ross, Keegan, and Liam.
After missing a church service and family dinner, Bill and Ross Parrish, along with their kids Liam, 12, and Keegan, 14, were discovered dead in their Pocatello home. Later, it was discovered that carbon monoxide had entered their home through a malfunctioning gas stove. There were no functional detectors in the family.
Jensen and Ian, the two eldest children of Bill and Ross, were gone on Latter-day Saint missions at the time of the tragedy. They came home to a community that had been heartbroken but was also ready to support and assist them during the ordeal. Since then, the family and those who support them have tried to raise awareness and encourage people to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
The annual Bill Parrish Family 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, which will take place in the north parking lot of the ICCU Dome in Pocatello on August 2 and 3, is still one of the most effective initiatives. Teams from all around the area compete in the tournament, which is hosted by the Chubbuck Lions Club and the No C.O. Foundation and is open to players of all ages and genders.
In addition to enjoying food trucks, shaded seating, and family-friendly activities, attendees can donate worn eyeglasses and receive free carbon monoxide detectors and safety advice.
You can register at chubbucklions.org until August 1 at 11:59 p.m.
The competition is a component of the foundation’s larger purpose, which was established in the wake of the Parrish tragedy, according to a news release from LIONS Eye Bank. The event, which is supported by local partners including Idaho Central Credit Union, Toyota, and the Chubbuck Lions Club, not only celebrates the Parrish family’s passion for athletics but also continues their tradition of service.
A first responders appreciation meal has been added to the event in recent years to honor individuals who respond promptly to carbon monoxide crises.
The community continues to honor the Parrish family and raise awareness of life-saving techniques through the basketball tournament and the Fourth of July float. What started out as a tragedy has evolved into a focal point for prevention and service, guaranteeing that their tale will continue to protect others for years to come.
Despite the weather, we were still determined to promote this tournament that has saved countless lives over the years. Lions district governor Paula Turner stated, “We hope to have more players this year than ever before.”
