CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority are collecting donations for the Pratt Volunteer Firefighters involved in last month’s fire truck wreck.
Volunteers held a hot dog fundraiser Wednesday at the KCEAA building in Charleston.
“We’re preparing for about 5,000 hot dogs to be sold,” said Wayne Harmen, chief of operations at KCEAA.
The authority expects to generate close to $20,000. The money will go toward the victims in the March 24 crash along Paint Creek Road.
Assistant Chief Mike Edwards and Lt. Tom Craigo were killed in the accident. Fire Chief Timmy Walker and Firefighter Billy Hypes are both still recovering from their injuries. Firefighter Kyle Jenkins suffered minor injuries.
Hospital costs are a burden for the victims who remain off the job, Harmen said.
“Some of these people are off work now and they’re recovering from their injuries. It’s to help support them for that,” he said.
Harmen said the entire Pratt community needs their help at this time. He said it’s important to take care of their fellow first responders.
“They’re family. They’re part of us. They’re our brothers and sisters of the business. We all love each other and will support each other whenever they’re down,” Harmen said.
The crash happened when firefighters were responding to a deadly crash along the West Virginia Turnpike.