Fundraiser for injured Harrison EMT will pay tuition for future emergency responders

EMT certification for 10 people will be paid in full thanks to a fundraiser Sunday in Harrison.

A spaghetti dinner hosted for Citizens Hose EMT Kelly Jackson, who was critically injured Jan. 6 while working traffic control at a crash scene, brought in nearly $10,000.

Jackson of Tarentum opted to “pay it forward” by donating the proceeds to the Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation, which sponsors EMT training each year. She received her certification through the health foundation last year.

“I couldn’t be happier with the turnout,” said Jackson, 42.

“We were aiming for six (tuitions), and to get 10 is overwhelming.”

After the January crash, Jackson spent nearly a week at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh before being transferred to Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison for in-patient rehab.

She is home now but continues with physical and occupational therapy twice a week.

With her recovery ahead of schedule, Jackson hopes to be back on the job soon.

“I go this Friday to find out when I can be released for work,” she said. “I’m moving way better. I wasn’t even able to use my right shoulder in the beginning.”

John Pastorek, president of the health foundation, said Jackson’s “unselfish gesture” to donate the proceeds is model behavior.

“It was so telling to hear Kelly not focus on her injuries with her comments, but rather she focused on her EMT colleagues at Citizen Hose EMS,” Pastorek said. “She lamented that the EMTs now have to work longer hours to cover for her until she can return.”

Pastorek said the donation will pay for CCAC-contracted instructors, books and materials for the fourth round of classes provided by the foundation.

The program began in recent years through a collaborative effort by Citizens Hose EMS Chief Jim Erb, Eureka Hose EMS Chief Brad James, state Sen. Lindsey Williams and Pastorek.

“The amazing turnout for the spaghetti dinner is testimony to the dedication that the Alle-Kiski Valley has in responding to the needs of their neighbors,” Pastorek said. “So many people came and not only ate dinner but donated generously to the auction and raffle. I spoke with dozens of attendees who commented on the fantastic service that our local emergency responders do for the community.”

Pastorek credited the volunteers who organized the dinner, saying it required an enormous effort.

“We sold 370 dinners,” said volunteer Lori Miller, president of the Hilltop Hose auxiliary. “We sold out.”

In addition, 52 baskets were raffled off to raise money.

“The community support was amazing,” Miller said.

Jackson agreed and added, “Not that I would want to go through this again, but I couldn’t be happier.”