Burke Rescue launches GoFundMe for injured first responder

When snow coated the ground and ice slicked the streets, first responders leapt to the service of the community, rescuing stranded drivers, putting out fires, and checking on worried residents’ loved ones.

Now, the community has the chance to give back and support a first responder who was injured while in the line of duty through a GoFundMe organized by Burke Rescue.

Burke Rescue Chief Wes Taylor explained that West End Fire Department Deputy Chief Jon Lowdermilk and two other responders slipped on ice near the front door of a home while responding to an emergency call during the inclement weather.

When the other responders got back on their feet, they found Lowdermilk unable to move or feel anything from his chest down.

The responders called in a second ambulance with Burke County Emergency Medical Services, which transported him to UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton. UNC transferred him to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit.

There, doctors discovered several vertebrae had been damaged, with the resulting swelling limiting his mobility. They expected surgery to be complex and erred on the side of caution, monitoring his condition until he could be transferred to WakeMed Rehabilitation Hospital in Raleigh.

Updates posted to the GoFundMe on Feb. 6 and Feb. 9 said Lowdermilk currently relies on visual focus to guide leg movement, and he describes a sensation like “lightning” in his legs, but doctors are optimistic about his progress.

The deputy chief will remain in Raleigh for three to four weeks before heading home. Doctors have even thrown around the possibility of a full recovery.

“The family is taking things one day at a time,” Taylor said. “The family is unfortunately no stranger to long recoveries and regularly travel for medical care for Jon’s wife, Amy. Jon, Amy and the family are extremely grateful for the outpouring support they have received.”

Within the first 20 hours after posting the GoFundMe, donations hit nearly $5,000.

As of Friday, the GoFundMe raised more than $15,300 of the current $16,000 goal. Taylor said raffle tickets are available through most fire departments and Burke Rescue, and additional fundraisers will be available soon to ensure continued support for Lowdermilk and his family as he recovers.

Burke Rescue also plans to host a cookout after his discharge to thank the community for the support.

Supporters can donate at gofundme.com/f/coming-together-for-jons-recovery.