Manhattan Fire District, Community Rally Around Firefighter's Family After Toddler's Death

MANHATTAN, IL — The family of a Manhattan firefighter who is also president of the fire district's chapter of Project Fire Buddies is mourning the death of his 2-year-old son, Manhattan Firefighters Local 4991 shared Tuesday.

Paxton Ledvina, 2, died Dec. 8. Manhattan firefighters and the community as a whole are rallying to uplift the Monee family amid their loss.

The family has started a GoFundMe, shared by the firefighters. As of Tuesday afternoon, it had raised $25,000 of its $45,000 goal.

"With devastated hearts, we share the sudden and unexpected passing of our precious 2-year-old, Paxton Ledvina," the fundraiser reads. "We appreciate the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Paxton was such a loving, sweet, and adventurous little boy. Our world has been forever changed, but we are so grateful to have loved Paxton during his short time in this world."

A meal train has also been started to support the family.

"On December 8, one of our brothers suffered an unimaginable loss," Manhattan Firefighters Local 4991 wrote on social media. "While leaving shift, Dylan and his wife Ava received a call no parent should ever have to face—their beautiful 2-year-old son, Paxton, had a medical emergency. He was transported and later flown to Lurie Children’s Hospital, but despite every effort, Dylan and Ava tragically lost their sweet boy. Paxton, a former NICU warrior, had already overcome so much through multiple successful surgeries, and his strength inspired everyone around him.

"Dylan, Ava, and their son Wes now need our strength as they navigate this heartbreaking time." the local wrote. "Dylan will be taking significant time away from work to care for his family as they grieve and heal. He has always been a giver, leading the Manhattan Fire Protection District’s Project Fire Buddies chapter since its beginning and pouring his heart into helping others."

Project Fire Buddies engages volunteers from local fire departments to rally around children battling critical illness and their families. The organization partners with local chapters to bring comfort, fun, support and companionship to their "fire buddies." Ledvina previously spoke with Patch about his decision to become part of Project Fire Buddies, saying his role as father inspired a particular empathy for the families.

"100 percent more," Ledvina said, of fatherhood inspiring him to lean more into Project Fire Buddies. "You get those fatherly instincts, you start caring even more than before you had children. Night and day difference. You just get that fatherly instinct, and you just care more. ... The fact that we’re able to give back, create some joy, and smiles and happiness … We just love being able to assist, and do our part for the community."

The Manhattan Fire Protection District and Local 4991 are now hoping the community will return the support.

"Many have asked how they can help," they wrote. "If members of the community wish to support the Ledvina family during this incredibly difficult time, the family has started a GoFundMe. More information will be shared on the Manhattan Firefighters Union Facebook page if other opportunities become available.

"On behalf of the Manhattan Fire Protection District and Manhattan Professional Firefighters Local 4991, we extend our deepest condolences to the entire Ledvina family. Their loss is felt throughout our department and our community."