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“Firefighters take care of firefighters”: Boones Mill Fire Department rallies around member recovering from heart surgery

BOONES MILL, Va. (WFXR) — Franklin County is rallying around one of its volunteer firefighters, 17-year-old John Poland, who is recovering from open heart surgery.

Poland began serving with the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department about a year ago, quickly becoming a valued member of the team.

“Really with John, he’s outgoing, wide open, doesn’t sit still,” said Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief and Treasurer Carey Altice.

As Poland recovers from a successful but major surgery he had a little over a week ago, unexpected complications and setbacks have kept him stuck in the hospital.

“[Saturday] night, physical therapy came in, got John up,” said Altice. “He wasn’t able to stay up long and could not walk. John, of course, was disappointed. It was another setback.”

On Saturday, he was taken off the ventilator with oxygen levels stabilizing according to an update provided by Poland’s mother.

His extended recovery and unexpected medical expenses have placed a strain on his family’s finances.

“They are coming under a financial burden,” said Altice. “I explained to his mom, they need to be able to be there for John and not have to worry about finances.”

That’s why Altice and the local community are chipping in to help out.

The Boones Mill department opened a collection for the family on Friday that brought in nearly $2,000 in its first 48 hours.

Altice, the department’s treasurer, also obtained approval from the station to donate $4,000 from the department’s fund to provide additional assistance.

“I know you hear all the time firefighters take care of firefighters,” said Altice. “Here at Boones Mill, we take care of the firefighter and the firefighter’s family.”

The Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page is providing updates on Poland’s recovery and information on how to make a donation to the family.