ORLANDO, Fla. – For the first time, Orange County Animal Services is holding a special Furry Fall Festival on Halloween.
The event will include fun activities for kids, loads of delicious treats, music and an opportunity to adopt a pet. The festival also has another meaningful purpose -- to honor Joseph Campo Jr., a control officer for Orange County Animal Services who died last Halloween.
Animal Services employees said Halloween was one of Campo's favorite days, especially because he got to spend it with his son. But last year, Campo couldn't spend it with the then-4-year-old boy because he had to work the night shift.
It was one year ago Wednesday that Campo, then-31, was on his way to work when he was fatally struck after another driver lost control of her car, crossed the median, and crashed head-on into Campo's vehicle on John Young Parkway.
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His girlfriend, Corrine Battersby talked to News 6 at Nine before the festival. Battersby said she was taken aback when she was called and told about the festival being done in his honor. She said it made sense to combine his passion for helping animals with his love for Halloween.
"Joe was very much in love with his work. He loved what Orange County services did for the community -- the good it did for the animals. It's very, very important everybody go out there. Go give these animals an amazing home because there are so many that are so deserving," Battersby said. "Halloween was his favorite. He loved to dress up in silly costumes. One of the last Halloween's he got to spend with his son, they both dressed up as Ace Ventura. It was his favorite holiday."
Campo had worked for Orange County Animal Services for four years before the crash. He was also a member of the Orlando City supporter group known as The Ruckus, where he chanted alongside fans, while dressed in an iconic purple "Deadpool" mask, in support of the Lions.
The family-friendly event is being held Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees will get to enjoy free face painting, a festive photo booth, music, games and food.
The Furry Fall Festival is being held at Orange County Animal Services on Conroy Road in Orlando.
If you're looking to bring home a new pet, the adoption fees will be waived.