Firefighters band together to help one of their own
NORWICH – A local volunteer firefighter with over 36 years of service was recently diagnosed with a dire illness and has been struggling without health insurance.
Leroy Burlingame, 59, discovered he had pancreatitis and was hospitalized nearly four weeks ago. He is currently the 2nd Assistant Chief at the Plymouth Fire Department. Burlingame served 34 years the Norwich Fire Department as a volunteer and the last two at Plymouth, and was still active at the time of his diagnosis.
“My dad committed all those years to other people and now we’re going to help him,” said Leroy Burlingame III.
Thursday evening, 15 people, mostly firefighters and their families, came together at the Norwich fire station to organize a series of fundraisers to help battle Burlingame’s affliction and its mounting cost on his family.
The group is holding a “boot drive” Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., collecting pocket change and donations at several locations.
“If you see a Norwich or Plymouth fire truck in a parking lot, then we won’t be far away,” said Norwich Volunteer Capt. Jim Fowlston. The volunteers hope to be the patrolling parking lots at Lowe’s, Eckerd’s, Service Pharmacy, Grande’s Pizza and Country Max, all in Norwich.
Burlingame has three children, all of them volunteer firefighters. His oldest, Brenda, 24, has been a volunteer at Norwich for the last 8 years; his son Leroy, 23, has been at the Plymouth station for 7 years, along with his youngest, 16-year-old Travis.
Plymouth Fire Chief Matt Bates and Fowlston have been heading up efforts to raise money for the Burlingame’s medical and travel expenses. Burlingame is currently being treated at Wilson Hospital in Binghamton and the family commutes there routinely.
“I know it might be hard to believe, but he’s been around longer than just about everyone else in this room. He’s trained most of the folks here and been an inspiration to countless volunteers. He’s contributed a lot and his absence is a blow to his family, fellow firefighters and the community,” said Bates at the meeting last night.
“I’ve known him all my life and it’s a blessing to have him as a friend,” said Plymouth volunteer Andy Edick.
In addition to the boot drive this Saturday, there will be a spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m., Feb. 23 at the Norwich Fire House. At the dinner the group will accept donations and offer raffle prizes, including a hand made quilt and a one night-two dinner stay at Howard Johnsons, said Fowlston. There will also be a 50/50 raffle at the dinner.
March 2, they will old a Chinese Auction from 2 to 5 p.m. The volunteers have also placed a dozen jugs around at local businesses collecting change for those who cannot attend any of the events. The departments are also collecting cans to help raise money.
Anyone wishing to drop off deposits can do so this Saturday at either firehouse or Wednesday between 7 and 9 p.m. at the Plymouth Station. The group hopes to have bins built for drop offs at any time later next week. Mail-in donations are also accepted by sending a check addressed to the NVFA at PO Box 631, Norwich NY, 13815, Leroy Fund.
If there are any questions regarding a donation or drop off contact Matt at 334-6805 or Jim at 226-1255.
Leroy Burlingame, 59, discovered he had pancreatitis and was hospitalized nearly four weeks ago. He is currently the 2nd Assistant Chief at the Plymouth Fire Department. Burlingame served 34 years the Norwich Fire Department as a volunteer and the last two at Plymouth, and was still active at the time of his diagnosis.
“My dad committed all those years to other people and now we’re going to help him,” said Leroy Burlingame III.
Thursday evening, 15 people, mostly firefighters and their families, came together at the Norwich fire station to organize a series of fundraisers to help battle Burlingame’s affliction and its mounting cost on his family.
The group is holding a “boot drive” Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., collecting pocket change and donations at several locations.
“If you see a Norwich or Plymouth fire truck in a parking lot, then we won’t be far away,” said Norwich Volunteer Capt. Jim Fowlston. The volunteers hope to be the patrolling parking lots at Lowe’s, Eckerd’s, Service Pharmacy, Grande’s Pizza and Country Max, all in Norwich.
Burlingame has three children, all of them volunteer firefighters. His oldest, Brenda, 24, has been a volunteer at Norwich for the last 8 years; his son Leroy, 23, has been at the Plymouth station for 7 years, along with his youngest, 16-year-old Travis.
Plymouth Fire Chief Matt Bates and Fowlston have been heading up efforts to raise money for the Burlingame’s medical and travel expenses. Burlingame is currently being treated at Wilson Hospital in Binghamton and the family commutes there routinely.
“I know it might be hard to believe, but he’s been around longer than just about everyone else in this room. He’s trained most of the folks here and been an inspiration to countless volunteers. He’s contributed a lot and his absence is a blow to his family, fellow firefighters and the community,” said Bates at the meeting last night.
“I’ve known him all my life and it’s a blessing to have him as a friend,” said Plymouth volunteer Andy Edick.
In addition to the boot drive this Saturday, there will be a spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m., Feb. 23 at the Norwich Fire House. At the dinner the group will accept donations and offer raffle prizes, including a hand made quilt and a one night-two dinner stay at Howard Johnsons, said Fowlston. There will also be a 50/50 raffle at the dinner.
March 2, they will old a Chinese Auction from 2 to 5 p.m. The volunteers have also placed a dozen jugs around at local businesses collecting change for those who cannot attend any of the events. The departments are also collecting cans to help raise money.
Anyone wishing to drop off deposits can do so this Saturday at either firehouse or Wednesday between 7 and 9 p.m. at the Plymouth Station. The group hopes to have bins built for drop offs at any time later next week. Mail-in donations are also accepted by sending a check addressed to the NVFA at PO Box 631, Norwich NY, 13815, Leroy Fund.
If there are any questions regarding a donation or drop off contact Matt at 334-6805 or Jim at 226-1255.
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