The News-Item
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A Mount Carmel assistant fire chief critically injured while fighting a fire Monday has been released from the hospital.
An official at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, Allentown, confirmed that James Reed Sr., the borough’s second assistant fire chief, was discharged from the hospital Wednesday afternoon.
His release was confirmed by a son, Jonathan Reed, via email Wednesday evening.
“He was released from Lehigh Valley Hospital around noon today and he is at home now and resting,” Jonathan Reed wrote.
Reed suffered a fire-related injury Tuesday while battling a blaze in the 200 block of South Walnut Street. Members of a rapid response team performed CPR on Reed at the scene before he was flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, and later to Allentown for treatment.
Nicknamed “Animal” by his fellow firefighters, the elder Reed was looked to as a mentor by many of the younger firefighters. Reed is a 35-year veteran firefighter, serving 20 years as either chief or assistant chief of the American Hose and Chemical Company, Mount Carmel.
Mayor Philip “Bing” Cimino said Monday he and Reed joined the borough’s fire bureau around the same time. He grew to know Reed well over the years and described him as “very thorough,” especially within his role as a firefighter.
“He’s the guy who crosses his T’s and dots all his I’s,” Cimino said. “No matter how many times he gets knocked down, he’s there.”
An online fundraising campaign, set up by members of Reed’s fire company has raised $1,210 as of Wednesday evening. While a goal of $5,000 was set online, an update on the site posted Tuesday stated there is no set amount to the goal.
“Unexpected expenses not covered by workers compensation or insurance will be paid from here,” the post reads.
Donations to the fund can be made at www.youcaring.com/mcfdchief1.
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