Saving lives is all in a day’s work for our LAFD Firefighters and Paramedics, but the people they impact never forget. Wayne Huddleston is so grateful to the crew at Fire Station 43, he still makes a generous contribution to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund each year.
Back in January 2007, Wayne’s son Mark tried to help a female acquaintance after a man approached her demanding money. Unfortunately, the man shot Mark then stole his wallet while two accomplices snatched the woman’s purse.
Wayne says it’s thanks to the immediate response and professionalism of Fire Station 43 that his son is alive today. Paramedics stabilized Mark and rushed him to the hospital, where he went right into surgery.
He not only made a full recovery, but ended up celebrating a birthday by visiting the fire house later that year. Mark has since gotten married and is now the proud father of a baby girl.
“She is just a joy to be around,” Wayne says.
In a very kind and thoughtful gesture of appreciation, Wayne continues to support Widows & Orphans. There are many ways you also may give back to our everyday heroes, from volunteering to attending a fundraising event to contributing products to simply making a donation.
By Marlene Casillas