Local R5-917 Members Band Together to Help Fellow Member During Time of Need
July 15, 2010
Members of Local R5-917, EMS professionals with Polk County EMS of Florida, recently joined together with coworkers, friends and local IAFF members to help raise funds for fellow paramedic (and IAEP member) Alan Hull, who recently lost his son in a tragic auto accident
While on duty, Hull heard his co-workers being dispatched to the scene of a single vehicle rollover on the other side of Polk County. While two of the three passengers received only minor injuries, the third passenger, however, was ejected and killed instantly when the truck landed on top of him. Sadly, the third passenger was Hull’s son.
Hull’s fellow employees from Polk County EMS joined with the Polk County and Lakeland Fire Departments, nurses from the Lakeland Regional Medical Center ER and his family and friends under the leadership of paramedic (and Local 917 member) Daniel Thomas to try to help.
Upon learning of the accident, Thomas and his partner, Linda Cuzzone, immediately began to organize what they thought was going to be a simple car wash to raise funds for Hull and his family. Within 24 hours the event expanded into a BBQ, car wash, bake sale, and raffle including items donated by SeaWorld Orlando and multiple local restaurants.
“Everyone was eager to help out in any way they could,” said Local 917 Chief Shop Steward Ken Skaggs. “Management with Polk County EMS was very supportive of the event and set up a rotation of the local units throughout the fundraiser.”
Rain ultimately cut the event short, but it did not dampen the spirits of the lifesavers in attendance. According to Thomas, over $3,200 was raised to help the Hull family in their time of need.
“Please keep Alan and his family in your prayers,” said Skaggs. “Remember, this is just one example of the brotherhood felt in Emergency Services that we are all a part of regardless of the uniform we wear.”