Green Country Firefighters Help A Family In Need

Dan Bewley, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A group of Tulsa firefighters got together on their day off to help Jeremiah Mitchell. The seven year old lost his arms and legs to bacterial meningitis last year.

Firefighters from Tulsa and Sand Springs used their time off Wednesday to help a family in need.

"It's a good day, why not be outside and do something worthwhile," said TJ Potts of Tulsa fire.

The 7 year old relies on a wheelchair to get around after having his arms and legs amputated last year during a bout with bacterial meningitis.

"Remarkable person, one of the best I know," said Tulsa firefighter Jon Wintle.

Jeremiah is able to drive his wheelchair just about anywhere but he couldn't get it into his home. So this week the firefighters are building him wheelchairs ramps outside and inside his home. They're also removing debris and making the back yard level.

"Every little bit of freedom helps, for the rest of his life, is just a step forward for him and so this is just a real small thing, it doesn't take as much time," Wintle said.

Many of the firefighters first met Jeremiah Mitchell at the burn camp last month. They say it was his spirit that motivated them to come out here on their day off.

"Very excited to see this happen," said organizer Mike Payne.

Mike Payne runs Heroes on the Diamond. The charity helped pull together donations that took care of the supplies for these home improvements.

"Anytime you get into any sort of fundraising in Tulsa you're amazed because the Tulsa community supports everybody, without question they always want to help and they are always there to do it," Payne said.

Jeremiah should find out next month if he's ready to have surgery to reconstruct his bottom lip. He's also been fitted for arm prosthetics but a recent surgery has delayed when he can start wearing them.