The Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation approved a grant for a local firefighter who survived a traumatic on-duty accident while deployed as part of a US&R team on their way to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts. After their vehicle rolled multiple times and was subsequently struck by a semi-truck, the firefighter, despite sustaining injuries, provided lifesaving care to severely injured colleagues at the scene.
Following the incident, the firefighter completed a six-month PTSD treatment program but continued to face emotional and financial challenges during recovery. To support ongoing healing, the firefighter sought a specialized program shown to help reduce PTSD symptoms. The Foundation approved a grant covering the full program cost.
Grant awarded in November 2025