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Hartland Firefighter Finishes Second in National Anthem Singing Contest

After two weeks of public voting, Walter Johnston placed second in the Comerica Bank's Home of the Brave National Anthem Singing Contest.

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Tatum Ryan, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Comerica Bank today announced that Detroit Firefighter Martin Rucker has won Comerica’s Home of the Brave National Anthem Singing Contest with Hartland firefighter Walter Johnston coming in second place.

Rucker finished with 4,008 votes while Johnston received 3,473 votes, according to a press release.

The contest was a way to say thank you to local hometown heroes "for their bravery and dedication to the community," according to the press release.

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“During Fan Appreciation Weekend, Comerica Bank wants to make a special effort to show our appreciation for the hometown heroes who have the courage to protect us day in and day out,” said Michael T. Ritchie, president of Comerica Bank–Michigan. “Martin’s submission was impressive and we are honored to award the Detroit Fire Engine Co. No. 30 with a $10,000 grant.”

Southeastern Michigan police officers and firefighters submitted videos to the Comerica Cares Facebook page with a panel of judges from the Detroit Tigers, the media and Comerica Bank narrowing down the submissions to the top 10 for public voting. 

More than 15,000 votes were cast during the two week public voting period, according to the press release.

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