Community Rallies To Help Newburgh Firefighter Injured In Crash

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A Newburgh firefighter was seriously injured after being hit by a wrong-way driver in New Jersey early this month, and the community is raising money to help him financially during his recovery.

A GoFundMe campaign, Standing with Our Injured Firefighter, is seeking to raise $50,000 for Guillermo Mollins.

The accident happened on the New Jersey Turnpike on Jan. 3, according to New Jersey State Police. A Pennsylvania man was driving south in the northbound lanes when he crashed into Mollins’ vehicle, police said. The other driver was killed, while Mollins, a Poughkeepsie resident, survived.

As of mid-day Wednesday, the GoFundMe campaign had raised about $33,000.

Adrian Adorno Vega, campaign organizer, said Mollins, a U.S. Army veteran, requires multiple surgeries and is expected to have a long recovery.

According to the GoFundMe campaign, Mollins is “relatively new” to the department, so his available sick leave covers a limited period of time. After that, he must take an unpaid leave of absence during his recovery.

“He is a loving father to his 10 year old son and donations raised through this fund will help offset medical costs, cover essential living expenses, and provide stability and support for his son during this incredibly difficult time,” the campaign states.

It asks people to donate and consider sharing the GoFundMe campaign link to raise awareness about the effort.

“Let’s come together as a community to support one of our own — someone who has repeatedly answered the call to serve others,” the campaign states.

Visit the GoFundMe campaign HERE.

Read more:
Man Dies In Wrong-Way NJ Turnpike Crash In Bergen County
Montco Man Killed After Driving Wrong Way On NJ Turnpike: Police