Funds Pour In For Firefighter, New Dad Injured In Crash

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Lake County residents are stepping up to give back to a couple who regularly "show up in one's time of need." So far, more than $26,000 has been raised for firefighter and paramedic Ayman Reffat, who has received a firefighter of the year award and faces a long road to recovery following a May 1 motorcycle collision.

• Lake Co. Firefighter, Dad Critically Injured In Crash

Reffat and fiancé, Elizabeth Garza, have a newborn baby and two toddlers, according to a GoFundMe set up to raise funds to help support them. Garza is also a firefighter and paramedic for Winthrop Harbor and an emergency room technician at a local hospital.

Refatt, who currently is a lieutenant, has worked mainly for fire districts in northern Lake County, including Zion, Antioch, Newport Township and Winthrop Harbor. He is also a rescue diver and devoted father, according to the Go FundMe.

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"Ayman Reffat and Elizabeth Garza spend countless hours away from home to serve the local community. They show up in one's time of need, now they need us to show up in their time of need," wrote Daniela Carrillo, of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Carrillo, a friend of the couple, set up the online fundraiser, which is meant to help cover a couple months of expenses for Ayman and Elizabeth.

"We do not know how long his recovery will take, but we do know it will be long and arduous," Carrillo wrote.

More via the GoFundMe