Owen Ott, the 11-year-old son of Logansport Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Ott, is facing a challenging battle against a brain tumor. Owen is scheduled for surgery on December 5th, 2024. In the lead-up to this critical surgery, Owen has bravely endured multiple seizures daily and adverse reactions to his medications.

The road to recovery is uncertain, but the Ott family is preparing for a journey that may resemble recovery from a traumatic brain injury. With medical specialists located in Indianapolis, an hour away from their home in Logansport, the family anticipates frequent travel for appointments and treatments. Adding to the burden, their insurance deductible will reset in the new year, creating additional financial strain.

On December 1st, after finishing a 24-hour shift protecting our community, Firefighter Colin Kowalski received devastating news: his home was on fire. Thankfully, his wife Abbi and their two children are safe, but the fire resulted in a total loss of their home and all their belongings.

Colin, a dedicated 7-year South Bend Fire Department member, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding his life. To make matters worse, Colin was informed that his homeowner’s insurance had been canceled due to a missed payment from his escrow account, leaving him with no financial safety net.

Firefighter Paramedic William "Bill" Carlos has dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community. For over 10 years, he has bravely answered the call, putting his own life on the line to help others. Now, Bill is facing his toughest battle yet: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

At just 29 years old, Bill received this devastating diagnosis. But even in the face of this challenge, he continues to show incredible strength and selflessness, supporting his wife through their first pregnancy and even repairing their home after recent storm damage.

On November 3rd, Firefighter Harry Rayborn, a 20-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department, was seriously injured while battling a fire in the Humbolt Park neighborhood. While bravely working to protect the lives and property of residents, Harry fell 30 feet through a light shaft, sustaining multiple injuries including a fractured arm, broken ribs, and a severely bruised back.

Harry has already undergone multiple surgeries and faces a long and challenging road to recovery. He is a dedicated firefighter, a loving husband, and a devoted father. Let's show Harry and his family that we appreciate his service and sacrifice by helping them through this difficult time.

Standing Strong With Chicago Firefighter John Anderson:

On October 25th, Firefighter John Anderson, a dedicated 24-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department, was severely injured while bravely battling a fire in the Burnside neighborhood. Tragically, John's injuries have resulted in permanent paralysis, leaving him with a long and challenging road to recovery.

John's fellow firefighters at Engine 82 - Truck 42 - Ambulance 37 have established this fund to help alleviate the overwhelming financial burden he now faces.