Community turns out to help firefighter
EAST BUTLER — A young firefighter seriously injured in a freak accident is getting help not just from his fire department brethren but from his entire community.
Even strangers have rallied around Zac Hack.
“We're so grateful for the support,” said Joy Stutz, Hack's aunt, during a packed benefit Sunday at the East Butler Fire Hall.
The 21-year-old Hack suffered two broken vertebrae after he was hurt in a July 1 pool accident. Authorities said he dove into a pool and hit his head.
He was flown by medical helicopter to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment. He was later transferred to Pittsburgh's Mercy Hospital.
Stutz said her nephew is recovering at home and is undergoing rehabilitation for his injuries.
“He's making incredible progress,” she said. “Even the doctors say it's remarkable.”
The family did not want to elaborate about his injuries or recovery.
Hack has been a firefighter at the East Butler Volunteer Department for at least six years. He started as a junior firefighter when he was attending Butler High School, said East Butler Fire Chief Derek Thompson.
Sunday's event, Thompson said, was a collaboration of the fire department and Hack's family.
“We decided to do something for him,” he said. “I'm impressed with the turnout of help from the community.”
As of 3 p.m., the half way point of the six-hour fundraiser, an estimated 400 people had already walked through the doors at the fire hall.
The event featured a roast beef dinner, bake sale, Chinese auction and a gun raffle.
“Zac is a selfless person,” Stutz said. “He's someone who always helps others. Now it's his time in need.”
Everything for the benefit was donated. “We couldn't have done it without that,” Stutz noted.
Thompson said businesses and other fire departments also pitched in to help.
An archery shoot fundraiser was previously held to benefit Hack. Another fundraiser is planned in October at the Family Bowlaway Fun Center in Butler Township.
A GoFundMe Page was created by a close friend of Hack's, according to Thompson. The page, which is not affiliated with the department, he said, has raised about $13,000 to help Hack in his recovery.
Stutz said she was touched by Sunday's outpouring of support
“It says a lot about Zac and the type of person he is,” she said. “It's humbling.”
