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A Region 8 fire department is taking off the boots to help its fire chief fight a personal battle.
The Batesville Fire Department is sponsoring a “Fill the Boot” fundraiser to raise money for Chief Brent Gleghorn, who has cancer.
Captain Cameron Russell has worked with Gleghorn for 28 years and said Gleghorn has worked hard.
“Started out as a volunteer, worked his way all the way through the ranks,” Russell said.
Gleghorn has worked for the department for 30 years, and Russell said he’s always ready to help.
“Any call that comes out, whether it’s in the city or if he can go assist or give mutual aid to the volunteer department, he goes,” Russell said.
At this time in his career, Gleghorn is not battling a fire but something more personal.
“He has cancer and is going through a long battle and is in the hospital right now taking chemo and radiation,” Russell said.
To help the Gleghorn family with medical bills, the fire department is using its annual “Fill the Boot” fundraiser to raise money.
“The boot there associates with the fire department, and him being the chief so people know what they are contributing to,” Russell said.
Boots can be found at multiple locations in Batesville including Hawgs Exxon. There is also a donation account set up at First Community Bank titled “Benefit Fund for Gleghorn Family.”
Russell said Chief Gleghorn is almost done with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. “All the doctors are saying it’s going to be a positive upswing for him once he gets through and finishes this week,” Russell said.
The boots will be out until April 3, and until Chief Gleghorn gets better, his department is waiting.
“He ain’t going nowhere,” Russell said. “That’s his drive to get well and come back here.”
The Batesville Fire Department is also selling Boston Butts to raise money for Gleghorn. Tickets can be purchased until April 3.
For more information on how to donate contact the Batesville Fire Department at 870-698-2439.
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