Injured Modesto FFs Remain Hospitalized -- Family Fund Established
Members of Modesto City Firefighters Local 1289 continue to stand vigil as two Modesto firefighters remain hospitalized weeks after being injured fighting a New year's house fire.
Engineers Jim Adams and Jason “JD” Clevenger were on the roof of a central Modesto home Friday night when it collapsed, plunging them into a fully involved room. Modesto firefighters converged on the scene and a team removed the two for immediate transport to the UC Davis Medical Center’s Burn Unit in Sacramento.
Adams, 46, suffered second- and third-degree burns over 40 to 45 percent of his body, including both arms and legs as well as up and down his back. However, his airway is undamaged and his organs are not compromised, according to Modesto Firefighters President Don Ridge. Adams could be hospitalized for up to two months.
Clevenger, 32, suffered second-degree burns over a significant part of his lower body, and had skin-graft surgery. He is expected to be released within a week.
Ridge says the outpouring of support from the nation’s front line firefighters has been overwhelming, as IAFF locals from Texas to California have offered help and support.
“There’s been an unbelievable outpouring of support from the brothers and sisters in our organization,” said Ridge.
A fund to assist the families has been established:
Modesto Firefighter Fund
c/o Modesto 1st Credit Union
430 12th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 521-2020
In addition, a blood drive is planned, sponsored by Oakdale firefighters through the Delta Blood Bank:
Date and time: Monday, January 18, 2010, 8:30am to 1pm
Location: Oakdale Rural Fire Protection District Station 1, 1398 East F Street, Oakdale, CA
Info: (209) 470-4636