By Marcia Moore
The Daily Item
FREEBURG, Pa. — Members of the Freeburg Fire Department sprang into action when they learned veteran firefighter Chester Bingaman was in need.
After hearing that Bingaman, 73, was unable to climb the stairs of his New Market Street home to use the only bathroom in the dwelling following a fall that severely injured his knee in early February, fire Chief Tom Wallish and company President Kevin Meiser put out a call for help.
About a dozen volunteer firefighters and members of the community responded, donating material and labor to build Bingaman a bathroom equipped with a shower on the first floor of the home he shares with his son, Charlie.
“It’s just an overwhelming blessing,” said Bingaman, struggling to contain his emotions.
Bingaman was an active member of the fire company for 44 years, stepping down just three years ago.
Since injuring his knee in a fall while trying to climb the stairs in his house, he’s undergone one surgery and is confined to the first floor during what is likely to be a long recuperation.
“It’s been very stressful,” Charlie Bingaman said.
Wallish and Meiser said they knew the troubles the elder Bingaman was going through since members of the company’s quick response squad had been called a couple times to his home following the fall.
“We all got together and used our resources to help out,” Wallish said.
Members of American Legion Post 25 also aided in the building project, and within three weeks of Bingaman’s fall, the military veteran had a new bathroom just steps from his bed on the first floor.
The fire company also has planned a benefit dinner to help offset Bingaman’s medical expenses. The dinner will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. April 18 in the firehall. Cost is $10 per person.
For years, Wallish said, Bingaman was there for the community and now residents have a chance to give back.
It’s also a testament to the strong bonds between emergency responders.
“Firefighting is a brotherhood, and when one of us is in need, we’re there,” Wallish said.
___
(c)2015 The Daily Item (Sunbury, Pa.)
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC