Jerry Thomas receives commemorative ax from the Kirksville Fire Department Union.
LA PLATA, MO. -- The Jerry Thomas Family Fundraiser has brought in more than $27,000; that's what organizers of the event have calculated as of Tuesday.
Jerry Thomas is a former La Plata Fire Chief who lost his home in a house fire on May 24. Since Thomas has been very active in the La Plata community for decades, the community decided to work together to host a fundraiser for him and his family.
The extreme heat prevented many people from taking part in the actual fundraiser July 7, but that did not stop the donations from pouring in. Stan East, Chair of the fundraiser committee, said Jerry Thomas never imagined the fundraiser would be so successful.
"He was almost speechless," said East. "It was just...he never expected. We had a fire meeting last night and he was there. He asked me how long I'd been in La Plata and I said 48 years. He's been here 71 years. Neither one of us has ever seen this kind a thing. We've had fundraisers before but nothing of this magnitude And Jerry was just humbled by the response of everybody."
Stan East, Chair of the fundraiser committee, said he is most proud of how the La Plata and Atlanta Fire Departments came together to pull off the event.
"I think there was a camaraderie built up," said East, Co-Chaplain of the La Plata Fire Department. "We've worked together for years and had no problems. But I think there was really a camaraderie built up through this event. Through our involvement together and I think I was probably as proud of that and then the way the La Plata Fire Department turned out."
According to East, the Kirksville Fire Department Union surprised Jerry Thomas with a commemorative fire ax, the night of the fundraiser.
Previous stories....
La Plata Fire and Rescue hosts fundraiser for one of their own - Saturday, July 07, 2012
Jerry Thomas Fundraiser
Daylong benefit planned for injured La Plata firefighter - Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Jerry Thomas was burned in a fire at his own home in late May.
Injured La Plata firefighter returns home with fire truck escort - Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Jerry Thomas from La Plata got quite the welcome home on Wednesday.
Long time fireman injured in blaze - Thursday, May 24, 2012
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