Scammers soliciting money for five injured Montgomery firefighters

Shannon Heupel, Montgomery Advertiser
·2 min read

Predators are trying to profit off the public's goodwill after a fatal fire on May 14 that also left five Montgomery firefighters injured, according to Montgomery Fire Rescue.

The scam involves people posing as officers or affiliates of the MFR and soliciting money on behalf of the injured officers, Assistant Fire Chief Stanley L. Cooper said Saturday in a news release.

"Montgomery Fire/Rescue, its group affiliates and officers have absolutely no involvement with these fraudulent practices and do not make such solicitations," the release stated.

Montgomery Fire Rescue is warning of a scam related to soliciting funds on behalf of five injured firefighters.
Montgomery Fire Rescue is warning of a scam related to soliciting funds on behalf of five injured firefighters.

The fire started in a trash can at a home on Gilmer Avenue. Firefighters rescued a man and a child from the blaze, but both later died. Five firefighters — Deandre Hartman, James Christian, Adarius Wesley, Capt. Donald L. Crenshaw Jr. and Sgt. David O. Watson III — were injured during the operation.

At last report on June 5, Hartman remained in critical condition at UAB Hospital. Crenshaw, Christian and Wesley were recovering at home, and Watson had returned to work.

"We ask that everyone be aware of this scam, and if any type of solicitations from anyone posing as Montgomery Fire Rescue, its group affiliates or company officers that appears suspicious, please contact us immediately," Cooper said in the release.

At a recent prayer event for the firefighters, Mayor Steven Reed said firefighters risk their lives with every 911 call.

“The community have been wonderful," said Joey Addie, the chief of staff for the fire department. "They have reached out in every fashion."

For those who wish to support the injured officers, MFR asks the public to donate through the Central Alabama Community Foundation at cacfinfo.org. Indicate Montgomery Fire Rescue on the reference line. The public can also contact CACF donor services manager Eleanor Lucas at 334-264-6223. CACF is located in Montgomery at 114 Church St.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Alex Gladden contributed to this report. Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel at sheupel@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Scam claims to be collecting for five injured Montgomery firefighters