Fundraiser Started To Help Sick Firefighter

LINDENHURST, NY — A Lindenhurst man recently started a fundraising campaign to help a local firefighter who fell ill this year. Brian Saphire started a GoFundMe pageto help his friend, Kevin Erbe who had a "rough year" after he became ill with COVID-19.

"Through a long battle that is still continuing to this day he is fighting his way through a rough battle of pain," Saphire wrote on the page.

As a result of the coronavirus, Erbe began suffering from heart failure, leaving only 30 percent working. According to Saphire, due to this heart failure he cannot work and is trying to get disability, but is being refused by the state.

"Kevin has always been a great friend and brother to all of us in the Lindenhurst Fire Department," he wrote. "After speaking with him the other day times are really rough."

As a result, Saphire wanted to find a way to help his friend just in time for the holiday season. He created the page last week to help raise $5,000 for Erbe to assist in paying his rent, food and other monthly bills.

"I know deep down Kevin needs financial help and he will not ask me or anyone for help. He rather live on the street or in his car then to be a bother to others," he wrote. "I am asking for anyone who can contribute to a great friend, brother, and local firefighter that clearly needs our help. Not knowing what the future holds for him, all money will be go towards him and if his health turns for the worse we can put the money forth to his only daughter as a college fund in his name."

As of Tuesday, the GoFundMe has raised a total of $1,175. For more information or to donate, click here.