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Hampton Roads community comes together to help severely injured local firefighter

Posted at 10:31 AM, Jul 10, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-10 17:40:55-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - After a fall shattered the legs of one Virginia Beach firefighter, community members and local firefighters are determined to help the first responder.

Dustin Rice fell eight feet from a ladder while doing yard work back on June 27. He was trying to trim some limbs from a tree in his yard.

Rice is now back at his house after two weeks in the hospital and multiple surgeries. Luckily, some gifts are helping the married man recover a little more easily.

According to the Virginia Beach Fire Department, firefighters built a ramp so Rice can access his home with a wheelchair, but that’s wasn't the only surprise waiting for him.

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A Suffolk Fire Captain who has a small roofing business on the side heard about Dustin’s accident and agreed to lead an effort to put a (much-needed) new roof on the home Dustin shares with his wife and two young daughters.

Southside Building Services is also helping with the labor needed on the roof, and Kempsville Building Materials and Allied Building Materials are providing a new skylight!

Good luck with the recovery, Dustin!

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