ROSINTON, Alabama — When fire broke out at the Gulf State Park in June of last year, burning hundreds of acres over several days, Ross Presley with the Alabama Forestry Service was one of many who rushed in to help with the blaze.

While there, however, Presley began complaining of dizziness and had to be rushed to the hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to repair a leaking artery to his brain.

But the repair didn’t hold and Presley was taken to the prestigious Johns Hopkins University hospital in Maryland where the damage was finally repaired.

Presley, who lives with his wife and five children in Perdido, has been unable to work since and the bills have begun to pile up, with more than $4,000 in home bills alone.

Friends and fellow first responders have decided to help out with the mounting bills.

On Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rosinton Fire & Rescue will host a benefit with proceeds going to the Presley family.

“We just want everyone to come out and raise a lot of money to help this family,” said Nicole Cheney, a volunteer with the department who, along with her husband Keith, who is vice president of the Fire Department, is organizing the event.

The event will be held at the Loxley Civic Center and will include a fish fry, live and silent auction and activities for all ages.

Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraiser or anyone wanting more information can contact the Cheneys at 251-752-2289.

There is also an account set up for donations at Wells Fargo Bank. Ask for the Ross Presley Benefit Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank location. Donations are tax deductible. The Federal Tax number is 72-1396170.