Firefighters plan help for Furman family

Island County Fire District 3 volunteers are devoting the month of October to help one of their own.

District volunteers are organizing various fund-raising activities to help Rick and Diane Furman pay medical expenses for their late son, Ryan, who died Sept. 21 after a two-year battle with cancer.

Rick Furman, a firefighter with the district for 18 years, quit work two years ago to be with his son. The Furman’s now live in Leavenworth.

“The fund-raisers will help the Furman’s with medical bills and help them get back on their feet,” said Robin Flem, a district firefighter and friend of the Furman's.

The first event, a car wash, is scheduled for Oct. 4 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Washington Mutual Bank parking lot in Freeland. Also on the list of fundraisers is a pancake breakfast on Oct. 19 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at South Whidbey High School Commons; and the Furman Family Benefit Dance beginning at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25 with the band “3 Boat Wait” at Freeland Hall.

During the month of October, volunteers who choose to do so will be contributing their pay from fire and emergency calls. Firefighters will also volunteer to shave their heads for pledges, much as they did two winters ago to support the Furman's.

Anyone wishing to contribute money directly to the Furman’s can write a check to the Island County Firefighters Association, marked for the Furman’s and drop it off at the Freeland fire station on Cameron Road or Pacific Northwest Bank in Freeland. All donations are tax deductible.

The firefighters hope to raise $10,000.

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