NORWICH – For the last few months, a number of volunteers – many from the Norwich and Plymouth fire departments – have held several fundraising events for one of their own.

Volunteer firefighter Leroy Burlingame, 59, who has more than 36 years of service, was diagnosed with pancreatitis and hospitalized in late January at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City.

As a self-employed contractor with no medical insurance, he has been struggling with increasing health care costs.

Burlingame serves as the 2nd Assistant Chief at the Plymouth Fire Department and was still active at the time of his diagnosis. Previously, he was a volunteer with the Norwich Fire Department for 34 years.

A committee of friends and colleagues formed shortly after the news broke about Burlingame’s illness. There have been dinners, bottle and boot drives and auctions in an attempt to ease the financial burden on the family.