Fire Fund for Stockton Fire Dept.

This GoFundMe campaign is raising money to help quickly re-equip the Stockton, Ill. volunteer fire department after a fire on Feb. 25, 2016 destroyed much of its station.

As those of us who grew up, moved to or have lived our entire lives in Stockton know, the volunteer fire department is part of the town's heart and soul. From dropping everything at a moment's notice to rush to a neighbor in need, to fundraising for and orchestrating Stockton's renowned 4th of July fireworks every year, the fire department and its team members are a constant source of support, inspiration and reassurance for community members.

Now it's our time to help them--please donate what you can and share with your networks to help us get the word out.

Thank you!

(And LET'S GO BLACKHAWKS!!!)

*Note: This campaign was created in collaboration with Stockton Fire Chief Randy Baysinger.
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A message from Fire Chief Randy Baysinger (from Facebook):
Where to begin. I have seen a lot in my over 20 years with the Fire Department. I've seen many deaths, I've seen many properties damaged or lost, I"ve seen people pushed to their limits with their emotions boiling over like toxic oil....I've seen cars become ugly pieces of twisted metal, I've seen small, calm creeks become raging rivers and sweep cars off roads, I've seen parents cry out their sorrows over their children....I've seen huge lines of cars stranded on snow filled roads, I've seen people beaten by loved ones, I've seen farmer's crops destroyed by weather and fire........it can get you down after awhile.
Today, I saw something different. I saw a group of men that are used to dropping everything to go help others fighting for their home. I saw firefighters from other towns putting their lives on hold to come to our house. I saw vendors that are fighting to stay in business in a dog eat dog world come together to offer help. I saw wives, and friends, and churches open their doors with food and shelter. I saw tears from hardened men, I saw hugs, I saw eyes looking at me like I had answers. I saw over 30 voicemails from fire departments , some from over 100 miles away offering help. I saw Facebook messages, I saw texts, I saw community members milling about just wanting to do something. Then I saw something even different...
I saw determination. I saw brotherhood. I saw 29 of the best men I ever hope to meet putting together gear donated from 6 other departments. I saw men stocking trucks, one not even ours, determined if the pager went off we would respond. I saw firefighters saying to each other, "we will rebuild, we will be back, this won't get us down". I saw the whole department sit together, not wanting to leave. I heard the pagers go off, I saw this department respond like we always do...
I saw the Stockton Fire Department.
God bless each and everyone of you for your response, your help, your offers of gear, trucks, manpower, food, water, money and shelter. We are still here for you, we will always be here for you. We love what we do, and we do what we love. Good night. Tomorrow is a new day.
Fire Chief Randy Baysinger

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Background on what happened:
Clad in blue jeans and hooded sweatshirts, Stockton firefighters on Feb. 25, 2016 battled a blaze that hit them where they live.

A witness reported seeing smoke coming from the village’s fire station around 11 a.m. Within minutes, volunteer firefighters were on scene and emergency responders from nearby agencies had been called to help save the headquarters of the Stockton Fire Department.

No one was injured, according to Fire Chief Randy Baysinger. But the fire likely caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to firefighting equipment.

The flames took an emotional toll as well, he said.

“It was pretty overwhelming,” Baysinger said. “It is an emotional experience. It is a second home.”

A woman walking her dog first noticed the smoke, according to the Rev. Mike Morrissey, of nearby Holy Cross Catholic Church. She ran to the church and shouted for someone to call police, he said.

The fire likely was caused by an electrical malfunction in one of the department’s trailers, Baysinger said. The trailer was completely destroyed, as was one front-line engine.

Several other vehicles were substantially damaged, including a rescue truck and some pickup trucks. An official damage estimate won’t be available until assessors evaluate the equipment, Baysinger said.

“We’ve had a great loss of equipment,” Baysinger said.

With most of the team’s equipment in the burning station, the volunteer team was forced to rely on what was stored in a garage across the street. Many firefighters fought the blaze in their street clothes.

By the time the fire was extinguished, several volunteers’ faces were covered in soot.

Morrissey witnessed the event.

“It looked like their own home was on fire,” Morrissey said. “You could tell it was an emotional experience.”

Fire departments from Stockton, Pearl City, Scales Mound, Elizabeth, Warren, Lena and Apple River assisted at the scene.

Baysinger commended Stockton residents for their support. The church opened its doors to offer shelter from the cold, several local stores donated food and local residents stood by to offer support.

“Our community is incredible,” Baysinger said. “I can’t even tell you how many messages I have received.”

Baysinger said the department still will be able to provide fire protection for the community. Officials from neighboring fire departments have offered the use of their equipment, he said.

Colleen Hoefer, Stockton resident and mother of one of the volunteer firefighters, said she could see the pain on the firefighters’ faces as they shuffled into the church dining center to rest.

“To them, that was their house,” Hoefer said. “They don’t get paid for what they’re doing, and they put their heart and soul in this.”

(Above article is from the Telegraph Herald)
http://www.thonline.com/news/breaking/article_6629ac6e-dbec-11e5-b7a6-5b0d9a09585e.html

NEWS COVERAGE FROM WQAD:
Stockton, Illinois firefighters pick up pieces after fire burns through their own building.
http://wqad.com/2016/02/25/stockton-illinois-firefighters-pick-up-pieces-after-fire-burns-through-their-own-building/