On March 22, 2009, Jackson Volunteer Fire Company #1 donated all of the proceeds from a craft fair to one of their own.
Three year veteran Ivon Laboy has a very sick grandson from Savannah, Georgia. Mason Morgan, 6, suffers from post transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder or PTLD. Mason was born missing 90% of his intestines. At 18 months, little Mason received a six organ transplant, an operation that saved his life.
The craft fair was initially held to raise money for renovations in the firehouse, but the membership felt that the money would be better spent to help Mason's family pay for his next necessary surgery.
Mason's PTLD surgeries are not covered by medical insurance. The doctors will not proceed unless the family can guarantee payment.
Assistant Chief Tim Carson said, "We felt giving the money to Mason was the right thing to do, and we could always find other ways to make more money to help the firehouse."
Mason, who was at the event with his family, was made an honorary firefighter with Station 55. He was given Station 55 shirts and an official fire helmet. He was also presented with a St. Florian medal to watch and protect him. Mason also had the honor to climb into a fire truck and go on a special assignment: he left the firehouse with the lights on and siren wailing to a cheering crowd.
It was a very emotional day from Mason's family and especially Mason's grandfather, Ivon. Ivon Laboy was made firefighter of the year by Station 55 at this year's Installation Dinner.
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