N.C. fire department starts fundraiser for firefighter battling second round of cancer

TABOR CITY, N.C. (WMBF) - A man who has spent most of his life fighting to save others is now fighting for his own life.

The Tabor City Fire Department (TCFD) organized a fundraiser for Safety Officer Donnie Strickland, who learned in March his colon cancer had returned at stage four, after being in remission for over six months.

”It’s all new, so we’re trying to get started as soon as we can, for him, to help him in this. It’s something that has just come out,” said Tabor City Fire Lt. Richard Coleman.

Coleman said they’re happy to lend a hand to someone who has worked among its ranks for more than three decades.

However, Strickland’s hard work hasn’t just been limited to Tabor City, as he’s also served with Horry County Fire Rescue and worked as an emergency responder for Darlington Raceway.

The impact of his work stretches across both Carolinas, making it all the more important for those closest to him to pay it back.

“He’s a dedicated person. He’s helped numerous people throughout his career,” said Coleman.

The fundraiser is helping to pay for Strickland’s medical bills and expenses for both him and his family, who have to travel across several different states to seek treatment for his illness.

Many said this act of service is the least the department can do for Strickland, who has given up so much of his own life to serve others.

“He has had that much impact with other people, you know? It only makes sense to turn around and help him when we can,” said Coleman.

CLICK HERE if you’d like to help Strickland and his family.

Staff at the Tabor City Fire Department said they’re also planning to host an in-person dinner fundraiser in the coming weeks.

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