A Clintonville volunteer firefighter has a “long road to recovery” after being injured while responding to a pileup crash last week along Interstate 80.
Justin Williams, 25, of Kennerdell, was struck by a tri-axle dump truck Thursday morning while setting up road flares along I-80, according to Clintonville fire chief Grant Rea.
A Facebook post by Williams’ fiancee, Emily Matthews, said he was in stable but critical condition. Rea said Matthews asked for the message to be posted on Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page on Saturday, but the chief added he was unable to get any updates on Williams’ condition as of Monday.
A GoFundMe titled “Help Justin in a time of crisis” was created Thursday and has since raised nearly $10,000. The fundraiser was created by Alexandra Lazor, who Rea said is a friend of Williams.
A chicken dinner fundraiser will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. today in the parking lot at the Clintonville fire hall at 501 Emlenton St.
Forest Fire BBQ in Marienville organized the fundraiser with all proceeds going to Williams. A “donation boot” is also set up at the 41060 Route 66 restaurant.
“They did that all on their own. They called us Saturday morning and said ‘hey this is what we want to do,’ and they are donating all the proceeds to Justin,” Rea said.
Rea said Andy and Robin Robinson were displaced from their 216 Sandstone Lane home in Victory Township.
While they are still staying with family, Rea said Andy Robinson has since returned to duty with the fire department.
