Maricopa joins area fire departments for benefit fundraiser on Saturday

On Saturday, August 27, Maricopa firefighters will be traveling to Casa Grande to participate in a benefit fundraiser. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Super Center, 1741 East Florence Boulevard.

Maricopa, Casa Grande, Eloy, Gila River and Florence are already scheduled to participate, and more departments are expected to attend. Helicopters, ambulances and fire trucks will be on display.

Firefighters will be washing vehicles, no matter how large or small, for donations. The money is earmarked for the medical treatments of one of their own, Corey Lawton. Lawton, who has been a firefighter for both the Casa Grande and Gila River Fire Departments, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma three years ago.

Firefighter Corey Lawton is fighting a battle with lymphoma.

This father of two is currently undergoing his second series of chemotherapy because the lymphoma is no longer in remission and has now paralyzed his vocal chords. In the near future he may require a bone marrow transplant.

“We are hoping to raise $2,000 to $3,000 on Saturday,” explained Captain Michael Brashier of the Casa Grande Fire Department. “Other upcoming events to help with Corey’s medical expenses are a softball game, a golf tournament and a raffle.”

Maricopa’s Fire Department is accepting a challenge to raise $500 themselves. If they do, Chief Dan Ashton will shave off his moustache (or have it shaved off) at Saturday’s event.

This could be the last photo of Chief Ashton with a moustache.

Bring the kids to Casa Grande Saturday to meet the firefighters and see their equipment. Have your vehicle washed and donate to a worthy cause. This is your chance to see what Chief Ashton really looks like without his moustache.

One of the fire trucks like those that will be on display.

Maricopa residents who would like to help out by making a cash donation should bring it to the fire station by Friday, July 26, so it can be taken to the fundraiser the next day. All donations will be greatly appreciated.

Any Bank One branch, account number 7033446759, will also take donations for Lawton.