PHILADELPHIA, PA – A Philadelphia firefighter who fell from the roof of a burning building with people reportedly trapped inside on Saturday is being treated for multiple critical injuries.
On Saturday, Randy Ballinger lost his footing while fighting a fire in Southwest Philadelphia and fell 25 feet to the concrete pavement below. Bellinger also served as a firefighter in New Jersey prior to joining the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Ballinger was taken to a nearby trauma center where he was treated for a concussion, torn aorta, collapsed lung, broken ribs, a broken pelvis and multiple leg fractures. He survived the fall but is in critical condition.
The community has since come together for Ballinger, raising $60,000 to help his family pay for medical expenses.
“We thankfully, as a company, were able to briefly speak with him after he was stabilized, and in true Randy fashion, he still had kept his sense of humor and was cracking jokes despite his condition. Randy has a long history of serving the community,” said Kristy Hadley on a GoFundMe page set up for Ballinger. “Randy began his career as a volunteer firefighter for Woodbury Fire Department in New Jersey before earning a paid position. He worked there for several years and eventually transitioned over to the Philadelphia Fire Department which he has been a part of for the past 5 years. He also is a proud member of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums.”
Friends of Ballinger commented on his devotion to his job and community.