Community rallies for support of injured firefighter

It was just another fire call for the Cornell Area Fire Department Feb. 19 – or so it seemed. Responding to a mutual aid call for the Sheldon Fire Department, Cornell headed to the Town of Willard for a structure fire.

It was there, that 35-year-old firefi ghter Justin Fredrickson was severely injured, but not from burns. Fredrickson received a bullet wound to his abdomen, when a loaded firearm discharged (because of the heated conditions from the blaze) and traveled through an exterior wall, striking the firefighter as he manned a hose line outside the structure.

The Sheldon EMS personnel immediately began care of Fredrickson; he was then transported to a Ladysmith hospital and airlifted to Mayo Hospital in Eau Claire, where he underwent surgery. Since then, Fredrickson required a second and third surgery, with his condition critical.

A call for prayers went out for Fredrickson and his family – which included the fire department members, who are extended family. Those prayers seem to have been heard and answered, as Fredrickson has been moved out of ICU, has begun walking again and started on soft foods when his stomach “woke up.”

“He’s making great progress,” said Cornell Assistant Fire Chief Matt Boulding.

However, Fredrickson and his family have a long way to go before recovery is complete. A 16-year veteran on the fire department, Fredrickson also serves as a coach for the Cornell- Lake Holcombe-Gilman Wolfpack Wrestling team, has coached the CFYF football program and helped with many other community things.

With a desire to help ease any financial burden that may occur with the long recovery, the community has rallied behind their injured firefighter, with several funds started in Cornell and Holcombe.

Donations are accepted at Northwestern Bank in Cornell, made to Cornell Volunteer Fireman, with the memo: Justin Fredrickson. Checks can be mailed to the bank at P.O. Box 398, Cornell, WI 54732. Meanwhile, the Cornell Spirit Club at the middle/high school, is also collecting donations and proceeds from the vending machine are also going toward Fredrickson’s family.

The Cornell Fire Department Auxiliary has also started a fundraiser, selling apparel styled especially with Fredrickson in mind, with proceeds donated to the family’s needs. To order, visit justinfredrickson.itemorder.com.

Lake Holcombe School is also getting in on the act of collecting for their injured firefighter. The district is looking to fill a pair of firefighter boots with change and is accepting cash/checks. For any questions or to drop off a donation, Shelley Lee can be contacted at 715-595-4241, ext. 254.

The fundraising doesn’t stop there, as there is a raffle set up by the in-progress sports shop at the former Holcombe bank location (Rocque Ridge Guides & Outfitters, LLC), for two fishing rods to be given away. Raffle tickets are available at Sweeney’s Y-Go-By and Arnold Bar, with all proceeds donated to Fredrickson.

It’s still in the works, but a benefit may also take place later on, hosted by Ted’s Timberlodge.

Boulding says he and the fire department family are blown away by the community support, and very grateful to everyone who is helping raise money.

“It’s amazing,” said Boulding.