Update on Fresno Capt. Peter Dern who fell through garage roof – How you can help

Below is yesterday’s (Monday) briefing on the condition of Peter Dern, the Fresno Fire Department captain who was critically burned after falling through the roof of a burning garage on Sunday. In addition, a message from IAFF Local 753 about Captain Dern and how you can help.

Previous coverage of this story and raw video from fire

Fund for Captain Dern and family

Brothers and Sisters,

As all of you know Fire Captain Pete Dern was leading his crew across the roof to provide ventilation for interior crews. The roof gave way and he fell through the roof and into the fire. Firefighters on scene were able to rescue him within minutes, but he suffered second and third degree burns on about 65% of his body. He is still in critical condition and has a long road to recovery, physicians estimate 14 to 15 more surgeries in the several months to come.
He’s a one of the most well respected Fire Captains we have and has been on the job for over 25 years and is known as a mentor to many of us at Fresno Fire. Our hearts are broken to see our brother experience the physical pain and he and his family will need us on the long road ahead.