Injured South Carolina Firefighter on the Mend

Orangeburg County volunteer firefighter Chad Funchess is improving at a burn center in Augusta.

Staff at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center hope to gradually ween Funchess off medicines and breathing equipment.

"Chad is doing a little bit better right now," his mother Frances Funchess said. "I want to thank everybody for their prayers and to ask for them to continue to pray for him. People have been wonderful."

Chad, a West Middle Fire Department volunteer, sustained third-degree burns on about 40 percent of his body after a fire on Aug. 15 at the Charleston Highway Citgo Express Lane. The fire is believed to have been caused by a chain saw malfunction.

The fire burned a significant portion of the adjacent service station storage shed which contained lubricating oils and canned goods.

Mrs. Funchess said her son has had skin grafts done, with most taking well while others have spawned some infection.

"He is looking pretty good," she said. "All vital signs are stable."

Funchess said her son cannot speak due to the medical equipment but does respond to questions by the shake of his head.

But she is unsure as to when her son will be released from the hospital.

The community came to Funchess' assistance in September with a successful blood drive, and a community fund-raiser barbecue/chicken dinner will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the West Middle Fire Department. Donations are $5.

Republished with permission from The Times and Democrat