May 2 benefit dinner to help injured Normalville firefighter with everyday expenses during recovery

April 25--A benefit dinner for a Normalville Area Volunteer Fire Department firefighter injured in the line of duty will take place on May 2.

Although Bill Fulton of Normalville wasn't hurt while fighting a blaze last month in Springfield Township, he sustained a serious injury after the fire was extinguished.

"We were doing some overhaul when the porch roof collapsed," Fulton said about the incident that fractured three of his vertebra and a leg's fibula and tibia. "It very easily could have been worse."

Fulton spent about four days in Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and is now at home and involved with in-home physical therapy.

He said he expects to be up and about within a few months.

"Every day is a little better," Fulton said. "I'm moving closer and closer to being back to normal."

A firefighter from Mill Run was hurt along with Fulton at the scene. He sustained minor injuries and was treated at Highlands Hospital in Connellsville.

Normalville VFD Chief Mark Bigam said even though worker's compensation and insurance help Fulton with major costs, the everyday expenses start to add up.

Bigam, therefore, decided to have a fundraiser for Fulton.

"Every time you got a guy who gets down like that, you want to help out with everyday expenses," Bigam said.

He said the fundraiser will be a creamed chicken and biscuit dinner from 4 to 8 p.m.May 2 at Normalville Area VFD, 3387 Springfield Pike. Cost is $9 for adults and $4 for children.

Bigam said the VFD didn't set a fundraising goal for the dinner because the firefighters just want to raise money to help a comrade.

"To be honest, the fanfare is a bit much for me, but I'm very appreciative of them putting on the dinner," Fulton said.

He said he plans to attend the dinner but isn't sure how long he will be able to stay. Fulton has been with the fire department for 20 years. He joined at 16.

He said is looks forward to returning. "The sooner the better," Fulton said.

For more information about the dinner, call 724-455-6510 or 724-455-3509.

Anyone who can't attend the benefit but wants to make a donation can send a check to: Normalville Area VFD, 3387 Springfield Pike, Normalville, PA 15469.

Mark Hofmann is a staff writer with Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-626-3539 or [email protected].

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