On October 16 of this year, Station 1B responded to a medical call. The report was of a victim of a fall. On arrival, the crew encountered an unconscious adult male who had fallen from the roof of his home while cleaning the gutters. His wife who witnessed the fall called 911. This father of two young children sustained serious injuries to several parts of his body which necessitated immediate surgery. Although the surgery was successful, the prognosis was gloomy. He was in a coma for 2 1/2 weeks. Now he is home but attends all day rehab every weekday with his wife.

While working at Station 1, Local 1171 member and Santa Clara Firefighters (Former) Foundation President (Captain) Mike Ryan noticed a flyer giving some details about the family and a plea for help from a friend of the family. Mike went to the home and left a note offering assistance. The man’s wife made contact by calling the Fire Department who in turn contacted Brother Ryan. Mike then arranged for a visit by E1C (Brothers Reist, Gaffney, Murgallis and Miller), Foundation Board member Bill Stone, and himself. They were graciously received by the couple and their two young daughters. Dad has made an amazing recovery so far, but has a long road ahead. He has many deficits such as double vision, R/S facial paralysis, speech difficulties, to name a few. He wears a C-collar and a helmet for his protection. He is scheduled for another major surgery to protect his brain from further injury.

Brothers Ryan and Stone inquired about the family’s current situation and discovered that they are both on unpaid leave. The wife is a pediatric occupational therapist, but she must stay home and give 24-hour care to her husband. He is making progress, but he is not able to care for their young children, or be left alone for any period of time. Their ability to earn money has been severely curtailed and their need for assistance is critical.

Ryan and his wife Teri were able to secure $105 worth of donated gift cards for the family, generously donated by several different Safeway stores. The foundation purchased another $150 in Safeway gift cards. Mike also arranged to provide Mom and Dade with $300 in immediate assistance from the Foundation to insure that both of their daughters would have a merry, fun and happy Christmas. Brother Dave Cosimano heard about the story and immediately donated another $20 to the effort which brought the total to $575.

The Foundation board members will be discussing what other things might be available for the family at the January 10 Foundation meeting.

Anyone may make a contribution designated for this family. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible. You may send your donation to the Santa Clara Firefighters Foundation, ATTN: Fall Injury, Post Office Box 1185, Santa Clara CA 95052-1185

The Santa Clara City Firefighters established the Santa Clara Firefighters Foundation several years ago precisely to give back to the members of our community who are in need. These are the kinds of projects that make us all proud to be members of the fire service, the City of Santa Clara Fire Department and the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1171 who made it possible to create the Foundation.
 

07/13/06