Fire fighters from the Mid-Atlantic to Florida are pulling for Simon Thomas to make a complete recovery. The former assistant chief of the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department (Company 3) sustained severe head trauma after being injured in an accident while vacationing in Florida, Calvert County fire officials reported.
The accident occurred sometime in early August. No details about the nature of the accident have been divulged by authorities.
“Simon underwent surgery for a decompressive craniotomy,” stated Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department (Company 6) Chief Jonathan Riffe, in a letter posted on the Company 6 web site Aug. 18. “It successfully reduced his ICP [intracranial pressure] and they hope to see a reduction in his score.”
Last Tuesday, Aug. 28, Company 3 Captain Norman Rea reported Thomas was in “stable condition” at a hospital in the Palm Beach area.
Thomas is a technician with the National Institute for Health (NIH) Fire Department. The agency’s web site posted an update last week that also indicated Thomas has been making progress.
“Local fire departments have been assisting him and his family, as well as his professional department, NIH,” Rea stated.
“It’s going to be a long journey for Simon but from what we hear he has the strength and mental toughness to make it through,” stated Lt. John F. Meskiel of the West Palm Beach Fire Department.
Riffe reported that there will be fundraising events to raise money needed to aid Thomas. Anyone wishing to make a contribution should make checks payable to the Simon Thomas Benefit Fund and mail it in care of The Professional Firefighters of the NIH, P.O. Box 341832, Bethesda, MD 20827.
Anyone wishing to send a get well card or gift basket should send it to: Simon Thomas, c/o Lori Lodge-Howell, 6703 Geminata Oak Court, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.
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