Family, Friends Join Forces To Support Broken Arrow Firefighter Battling COVID-19

A Broken Arrow firefighter is in ICU, after getting COVID-19 a few weeks ago.

Josh Whitekiller's fellow firefighters said he's a family man with a huge heart, and they need as many prayers as possible for him to recover.

"It's a tough time now for him now," said Billy Wilkinson, Whitekiller’s uncle and fellow firefighter.

Whitekiller has been in the ICU for several days with COVID-19. They're both firefighters and Wilkinson said it's been hard to see Whitekiller struggling and isolated.

"He has a servant's heart and that's what we all have to have to come to this profession," said Wilkinson.

Wilkinson said Whitekiller has a wife and two girls he loves. He also said Whitekiller is active, healthy, and only 33 years old.

Wilkinson pinned Whitekiller when he became a firefighter in Broken Arrow a few years ago after he had been a Coweta firefighter for several years. 

"For us it's very worrisome and alarming to have a brother sick and we can't do anything," said firefighter Seth Rich.

Rich went through training with Whitekiller and started a fundraiser for his family. He said it's hard to see one of their own battling the virus.

"It hits home when it's one of your brothers you live with," Rich said.

"We've seen this with Broken Arrow residents, we've seen it happening firsthand," Wilkinson said. "To happen to one of our own is heartbreaking, it is."

Wilkinson and Rich say people from all over are supporting Josh, and they believe he'll make a full recovery, but need as many prayers as possible.

"Josh is a fighter, he's strong," Wilkinson said. "We believe he's going to be home soon."

Wilkinson said Whitekiller showed slight improvement and they're hoping he'll continue to get better.

To support Josh Whitekiller, CLICK HERE. There is also a meal train set up for his family.