By Leila Merrill
FireRescue1
PHILADELPHIA — Nearly $75,000 has been raised in support of a Philadelphia firefighter who suffered multiple injuries Saturday while battling a fire.
Randy Ballinger, with Ladder 13 of the Philadelphia Fire Department, fell almost 25 feet from the roof of a two-story row home, 6ABC reported, during which he suffered a collapsed lung, a broken pelvis, broken ribs and multiple fractures to both legs.
Ballinger remains hospitalized and had a surgery on Monday, according to his Caring Bridge page.
“On this job things happen. For all the safety precautions we have, this is something that just happened. I believe Randy was lowering his equipment off the roof through a rope, lowering saws down and was in the overhaul process where he got hurt,” explained Raymond Vozzelli, a trustee with Local 22, IAFF Philadelphia Firefighters’ & Paramedics’ Union. “Just keep the firefighters in mind. It’s a dangerous job. The more positive vibes we have coming to us the better.”