By Robin Jedlicka - bio | email
Homerville, GA (WALB) - Homerville Volunteer Fireman Joey Turner died of a heart attack during a training exercise last year. Worker's compensation insurance hasn't paid, and his widow now has an enormous amount of debt.
Last February, the city of Homerville mourned the loss of a selfless volunteer fireman, Joey Turner. Turner led a lifetime of service serving many years in the Marine Corps.
"He was well-liked throughout the whole community. Everybody knew him. Everybody appreciated him," said Chief Danny Strickland of the Homerville-Clinch County Fire Dept.
Turner died of a heart attack at the Georgia Fire Academy, doing an intensive training exercise, Finding his way through a tight maze, blindfolded.
Workman's Comp denied claims filed by Joey's widow, Suzanne, leaving her with a mountain of debt.
"It'll kind of make a fellow sort of angry. I know the position I feel like I would be in if it was my wife," said Strickland.
Without life insurance, Suzanne was left with an overwhelming amount of debt. Her car was recently re-possessed, resulting in the loss of her full-time job.
"She's extremely limited as to what she can do. She as to rely on friends and family to help her get from point 'A' to point 'B'," said GMAG Deputy Chief Dennis Thayer.
To make matters worse, Suzanne is now in jeopardy of losing her home. Now, Georgia Mutual Aid Group and fire stations across the state are turning to the community for help.
"A lot of people have hit hard times, but this is a different situation. It's a little bit different. He was trying to help out the community. He was trying to give of himself to help the community, and that's why she's in the place she is," Thayer said.
Joey's fellow firemen hope people will donate to their cause, not only to help Suzanne, but to honor Joey's selfless service.
You can donate to the Joey Turner Memorial Fund at any Wachovia Bank, or mail a check to:
Joey Turner Memorial Fund
c/o G-MAG
P.O. Box 18055
Atlanta, GA 30316
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