LA PLATA, MO. -- A longtime volunteer firefighter burned in a blaze at his own house in late May recently returned home from the hospital.
Supporters of Jerry Thomas of La Plata rolled out the red carpet on June 13 to welcome him home.
He even got a fire truck escort into town.
Thomas, his wife and his brother, who was visiting, all escaped from the fire.
Thomas received first-degree, second-degree and third-degree burns.
He's expected to make a full recovery.
The other two were not hurt. Doctors said that in a year, you will never know Thomas was a burn victim.
The Thomas family lost everything in the fire so the La Plata Community Fire Protection District is planning a daylong benefit this Saturday to help them with expenses.
"For the last 45 or 50 years, Jerry has done nothing by give, give, give for anything and everything in the community,” said Chief Bob Couch. “I mean, not only monetary, but also labor wise. He's volunteered for the ambulance service, the fire department. He's been the mayor, been on the city council.”
The all-day Jerry Thomas Family Fundraiser is Saturday, July 7 in the La Plata City Park.
Things kick off with a breakfast at 7 a.m. and end with a music show that starts at 8 p.m.
If you would like more information or want to help out, just contact Stan East Junior at (660) 341-3686.
Click here for the schedule and donation form.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO