Crete Fire and Rescue organizes GoFundMe for firefighter injured in weekend fires

CRETE, NE — A volunteer fire and rescue outfit in southeast Nebraska is raising funds to help a member who was injured while battling large wildfires in the area this weekend. 

Brad Elder is currently in hospitalized after suffering burns on about 20 percent of his body while battling grass fires on Sunday. Elder has been a member of the Crete Volunteer Fire Department since 2019. 

According to the GoFundMe, which was organized by the department, funds will go toward Elder's medical expenses. Elder received burns to his left hand, calves and part of his back, some of which are third-degree burns. 

Elder holds a Phd and is a professor at Doane University where he teaches in the biology department. He teaches several classes including, Ecological Botany and Ecological Zoology and Introduction to Biological Investigation. 

According to a Doane University spokesperson, Elder has done research involving prescribed burns in the past and his work with the Crete Volunteer Fire Department ties in strongly to his academic research. 

As of Wednesday afternoon, the GoFundMe has brought in over $12,000. If you wish to donate, click here to be taken to the Elder's GoFundMe page. 

People can also donate by giving to the "Brad Elder Benefit Account" at any Pinnacle Bank location. 

A second Crete firefighter was also injured battling Sunday's fires. They were treated for second degree burns and have since been released from the hospital.