Fundraiser for Family of Retired Firefighter Killed in Crash

FREDERICK, MD — An online fundraiser has been created to help the family of a retired Prince George’s County firefighter who died Feb. 19 in a car wreck.

Retired Fire Lt. Patrick E. Shafer died in a crash in the Myersville area. His funeral will be held Thursday.

Shafer served in Prince George’s County from 2003 until he retired in 2013 because of a disability.

He is survived by his wife, Amanda, and two young sons, Liam and Finn.

Friends of the family have set up a fundraiser on the GoFundMe website. So far, $25,687 has been raised, with a goal of $35,000.

Shafer’s wife, Amanda, said on the site: “He is my best friend, my love, my whole heart and we were happier than we could ever be. He was the most amazing father to his sons -- their lives revolved around him. The boys and I are struggling to cope with the news and any and all thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.”

Andrew Pantelis, president of Prince George’s County IAFF Local 1619, said Shafer was returning home from work on the morning when he crashed.

“Patrick was a loving father and husband who spent his days striving to be a positive change in other’s lives,” Pantelis said in a statement. “Patrick has left an indelible mark on the lives of those he touched and will deeply missed.”

Funeral Service Set

Memorial services to celebrate Shafer’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Christ Reformed United Church of Christ, 12 South Church St. in Middletown. A reception will follow at Middletown Volunteer Fire Department Activities Center, 1 Firemans Lane, Middletown.

Parking will be spread across several local lots. Child care will be available at the church. Space in the church will likely be an issue, say friends who ask that everyone share the space. There will be an overflow room.

The reception will be catered, with an open bar, music, and will be a time and place to celebrate this amazing man and share stories and the love he so openly gave, says the website.

»Photo of Patrick and Amanda Shafer and sons, used with permission of family