
JOHNSTON CITY, IL (WSIL) -- First responders are often with us through some of our most frightening moments. Now the community is coming together to help a local fire chief through one of his.Â
Johnston City Fire Chief Tom Burton has been diagnosed with cancer of the plasma cells. The fire department is helping to hold a fundraiser to offset some of the medical and travel expenses.Â
The says Burton began his fire career as a teenage by volunteering at the department. He then served as a full-time firefighter for more than 37 years with 18 of those as chief.Â
The fundraiser will include a BBQ dinner with baked beans and potato salad. The meal will be held at Andresen's banquet center on Friday, November 1st starting at 4:30 p.m.Â
The LIVE Auction starts at 6:30 along with the 50/50 sales and a cash bar.
Tickets cost $12 and can be purchased before the event at the Fire Department or City Hall. You can also buy tickets at the door day-of the event.Â
The Fire department says donations for the raffle and auction are also needed. Those who want to help can call:Â (618)983-6544 or (618)983-6651.