Sebring Fire benefit becomes donation for injured riders
What began as a benefit for the Sebring Fire Department resulted in firefighters paying it forward.
When Sebring American Legion Post 76 learned the department needed a new American flag for its ladder truck, group members decided to raise money.
The department flies a 25-foot by 38-foot flag for public events and funerals.
“Grease and oil from the ladder get on the flag, and, over time, the flag has become worn due to numerous cleanings,” said Ed Baddeley, who rides as part of a Sebring Post 76 motorcycle group. “We pick different things to do the benefit breakfast for, and we chose this.”
On July 3, while on their way to the Sebring Legion breakfast, two motorcycles from a group of 14 from Legion Riders Portage Lakes 566 were involved in an accident. Three people were injured.
The crash occurred on State Route 224 outside Akron.
Sebring Legion Rider Janet Baddeley said Jim and Elna Dempsey and John Holowenko were injured in the incident. They are now out of the hospital and recovering.
When Sebring Fire Chief Mike Springer learned of the incident, he informed members of village’s fire department. They decided to give the $1,165 donation from the Legion breakfast to the injured riders.
“Thank you for everything you do for us,” Springer told members of American Legion Post 76 when he and Assistant Fire Chief Bob Goodrich met with them to accept the check.
Springer then surprised the group when he said Sebring Fire Association planned to give the check back to help defray the medical costs for the Portage Lakes 566 riders.
The association also will pay for a new flag for Sebring Village’s ladder truck.
Another fundraiser is planned for the Dempseys and Holowenko – a benefit spaghetti dinner and night at the races will be 5 p.m. Aug. 27 at American Legion Post 566, 2977 Manchester Road in Coventry Township, outside Akron.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Sebring Fire Department benefit becomes donation for injured riders
