By Mike Crowley
The Meadville Tribune
MEADVILLE, Pa. — Firefighters at Meadville Central Fire Department are rallying to raise money after a tractor accident Friday left one of their own severely injured.
Michael “Mick” Lilly was transported to UPMC Hamot in Erie with a broken neck and shoulder after the incident, according to Daniel Serafin, president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 515, the union chapter that represents the city firefighters.
“It seems like he’s in pretty serious condition,” Serafin said of Lilly on Monday. “It looks like he’s going to have a long road to recovery.”
The online fundraiser — through theyardfoundation.org, a nonprofit that supports firefighters and their families — has a goal of raising $33,000. By Tuesday evening, more than $4,900 had been raised through 60 donations.
“We want to do everything we can to make it so he and his family can focus on recovery instead of some of the other obstacles that may be in the way financially in the meantime,” Chief Evan Kardosh said regarding the fundraising effort.
In separate interviews, both Kardosh and Serafin described Lilly as the type of person you want next to you when fighting fires and the kind of man you want as a friend.
“I’ve known Mick for a long time,” Kardosh said. “He is absolutely the kind of guy that’s your go-to, whether it’s firefighting or as a friend. I know I could call Mick for anything at any time and he would drop what he is doing to help.”
Serafin described Lilly as “a stand-up guy and a hell of a fireman.”
“He was the first one to come in on overtime, the first one to help you outside of work,” he added. “He was definitely the guy to go to.”
The incident in which Lilly was injured occurred around 12:34 p.m. Friday in the 19200 block of Huson Road, about a half-mile southeast of Woodcock Borough. Emergency radio traffic at the time described a 50-year-old man with a head injury who had been run over by a tractor.
Lilly first joined Meadville Central as a part-time firefighter in September 2023. He had previously served nearly 20 years with West Mead 2 Volunteer Fire Department, according to Serafin.
Lilly started as a full-time firefighter with Meadville Central in January, according to Kardosh.
The fundraising page at theyardfoundation.org/mayday/firefighter-mick-needs-our-help will remain available until May 24, according to Serafin. Those who wish to support the effort can also donate cash or checks at the firehouse, 850 Park Ave.
“He was always there for the community,” Serafin said. “Hopefully, everyone can donate and give back to him.”
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