Fundraisers held for families impacted by Firefighter tragedy

BARAGA COUNTY — Firefighters throughout Baraga county have come together in wake of the tragedy that left two Beartown firefighters dead and seven other injured.

Various fundraisers were held throughout the county today, showing their support for the families affected by the accident.
The local radio station, Eagle Country held a fill the boot event inviting anyone to stop by and donate money to these families. The loss and injuries of these firefighters, has impacted the lives of many emergency responders throughout the U.P.

“They’re comrades, they are part of this whole team that gives up their life to help others. Whether it’s personal property or life, so the fact they’re giving up time away from their families to go and help other people and then suffer a loss like this, it’s just heartbreaking,” said Director of Bay Ambulance & Baraga County volunteer firefighter, Gary Wadaga.

Individuals throughout the community have stopped by the fundraising locations to express their condolences for the affected families.

“It was a tragedy that happened, two young people from the Indian Bay community have lost their lives and the other people have been injured, so I’m here today with the family and to give our condolences to the community along with their relatives and friends that are gathered right here today,” said State Representative, Scott Dianda.

“A glad steady stream of people have been stopping by, a lot of people brought a closed hand and other people have written checks out. Anybody who can’t make the donations sites, can send money to the Beartown Firefighter’s fund and they can send it to Eagle Radio,” said Eagle Media General Manager, Ed Janisse.

The VFW Hall in L’anse also held a community dinner inviting anyone to stop by and donate. A procession will begin in Minneapolis tomorrow morning and end at Reid’s Funeral Home in L’anse.