GILLIES TOWNSHIP, ON — The fire chief in Gillies Township is fighting a battle far different from the kind he has typically dealt with in almost two decades as a firefighter, first responder and first aid instructor.
Scott Hole is recovering from necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease, caused by a bacterial infection.
The rural community, southwest of Thunder Bay, has rallied behind him and his family by responding vigorously to a fundraising campaign.
Gillies Reeve Wendy Wright says the campaign reached its $10,000 goal in barely a week.
According to Wright, the fire chief received a simple scrape from a wheelbarrow about five weeks ago. After his leg started to swell, and flu-like symptoms and pain set in, he was hospitalized.
Hole was eventually transferred to Toronto for skin grafts.
"He was able to keep his leg. It was pretty close," Wright said.
Hole recently returned home where he is now recovering.
"He's resting a lot. It's a slow process to come back to normal. He uses a walker and is getting around," Wright said.
She expects the fire chief will complete his rehabilitation and be back on the job sometime in the fall.
Wright said the fundraising campaign was set up to offset the family's expenses.
She described Hole as a valued member of the community, saying "He's done so much for us. He means an awful lot to us."
In addition to leading the training for first responders, the fire chief volunteers at Whitefish Valley School, with Scouts, and "has always been there" for Gillies residents, Wright said.
In an interview Monday, she expressed thanks to the donors to the campaign, and for the outpouring of support for Hole and his family.
"I know it really means a lot to them," Wright said.
