Man Gives Back to Firefighters with Fundraiser

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

CHANDLER, Oklahoma -- It has been two months since wildland fires swept across the state, destroying hundreds of homes.

While those living in Lincoln County are dealing with their personal loss, some residents are going out of their way to help others.

Jerry Connelly's lived in Chandler all his life and in a matter of hours on that April Day, it turned into an image forever embedded in his mind.

"The first few weeks is all about nightmares and being trapped in the fires," Connelly said.

He watched firefighters scramble to save his long-time home.

"The firemen came by me and that truck were in and out of here at least 10 times," Connelly said.

He soon realized the trucks needed help. The paint of a number of trucks had begun to peel and blister from the intense heat.

"They were directly in front of the firefighting, but...they didn't think that truck was going to make another trip," Connelly said.

Chandler Fire Chief Bobby Johnson remembers the wild fires.

"The engine's getting weak. The transmission's getting weak, but you know, it still works," Chief Johnson said.

Their 30-year-old firefighting tools, equipment and trucks have been refurbished, rebuilt and repainted from donations across the state.

"When the weather turns on us, will we be prepared? Will we have the right equipment? Will we have the man power to try to do the best?" Chief Johnson said.

Chief Johnson said it is their duty to best protect and serve those like Connelly, who is now paying it forward with a fundraiser by helping the firefighters who once upon a time, helped him.

"There will be more fires next year," Connelly said. "We will have more fires. If we have better equipment, maybe we can stop one of them before this happens to somebody else's house."

The Chandler Fire Department has applied for grants, but has received no money during these tough economic times. They're heavily dependent on fundraisers to help meet their basic needs.

The fundraiser is taking place on July 4th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Chandler City Park. All proceeds from donations will go to the Chandler Fire Department.