Neighboring Fire Departments Start Fund for Florida Firefighters

Manatee County Florida was brushed by Hurricane Charley but in no way received the devastation of other counties on the southwestern Gulf Coast. And so along with shouldering some of the operations burden, they have also turned to helping the many firefighters who along with other citizens suffered catastrophic damage if not complete loss of their homes.

IAFF Locals 4074 and 2546 and have established a fund for donations to help them get back on their feet. President Stacey Bailey of 4074 said he knew of firefighters in Desoto County and Arcadia who have moved their families into stations that are still inhabitable.

Braden River Fire Department Deputy Chief Henry Sheffield believes there are probably 100 in Desoto, Sarasota and Charlotte counties that are living with damaged homes and no electricity. He knows of four whose houses vanished and at least 20 more that have homes now uninhabitable.

Bailey thought that number was closer to 200 firefighters affected.