By FireRescue1 Staff
WOODSTOCK, N.H. — After a firefighter was injured in a fatal crash, his community united to construct a wheelchair accessible bathroom for him Aug. 31.
Michael Weden was injured in a car crash Aug. 19 that killed fellow firefighter, Stephen Bomba.
Since the crash, Weden’s friends and neighbors have constructed a handicap accessible bathroom, reported WMUR. The new bathroom will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and will include handrails and an extra-large shower.
“It’s going to be a battle,” Elisa Anderson, Weden’s mother-in-law said. “It’s a tough road. He lost his best friend, and it’s very difficult for him to get through that.”
Apart from the bathroom, members of the community have stepped in to improve Weden’s property, including planting new grass and replacing a swing for his daughter.
“When you get into part-time and volunteer firefighters and EMTs, very rarely do they actually have benefits,” retired Police Chief Douglas Moorhead said. “So whatever we can do to help them out when tragedy strikes them is really, really needed.”
Over $6,000 has been raised for Weden and his family via GoFundMe.