Benefit Set For Injured Firefighter

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents are invited to a community party on Sunday to benefit a Hillsborough County Fire Rescue firefighter injured in a recent motorcycle crash.

Lt. Eric Valdes was on his way home from his shift Jan. 30 when he was struck by an uninsured motorist. Valdes suffered “catastrophic injury to his right arm and hand requiring multiples surgeries, several plates, pins and may need continued surgical intervention in the future,” an email to media from event organizers said. He also suffered multiple broken bones, including his right ankle, foot and femur, among other injuries.

Valdes spent 12 days in the hospital before being sent home to begin extensive physical therapy.

“Physical therapy is extremely painful, however, Lt. Valdes is working hard with the hope that one day he will be able to rejoin his crew,” the email said.

Since the driver of the other vehicle had no insurance, Valdes has been left to pay for his medical expenses out of pocket, organizers say.

With that in mind, a fundraiser is set for Sunday, March 20 starting at 1 p.m. It takes place at Bichler, Oliver, Longo & Fox in Westchase Commons, 13031 W. Linebaugh Ave. The event will feature food, a DJ, a bounce house and other activities. A chance drawing with such prizes on the line as an autographed Bellamy Brothers guitar and a UT hat signed by Tito Martinez will also take place.

Photo courtesy of Bichler, Oliver, Longo & Fox

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