Support for Cpt. Bret Jefferies and family
A 501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible Campaign
Merrionette Park, IL - Captain Bret Jefferies has dedicated 42 years to the fire service, beginning his career in 1984. On April 1, 2025, while teaching a Fire Academy class at his firehouse, he suffered a stroke and was rushed to the hospital, where he remained for three weeks. His recovery initially left him partially dependent on a wheelchair, able to walk only about 50 steps a day. He completed physical and occupational therapy twice a week through March 2026. He now needs a work-hardening rehabilitation program to regain his strength and return to serving at his fire department.
While recovering, Brett also faced the unexpected closure of his business on December 28, 2025, after building management declined to renew its lease. Despite once generating nearly $1 million in annual sales, he had never taken a salary in seven years, choosing instead to reinvest earnings into the business. Ultimately, he and his family lost much of the retirement savings they had invested in keeping it open. The combination of his stroke, loss of income, and ongoing rehabilitation has created significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Let’s bolster Bret and his family while they navigate these trying times.
