One of Our Own Needs Us: Support CFD Paramedic Randy Campbell
Off-duty, CFD Paramedic Randy Campbell made a split-second choice to save his 7-year-old son, jumping three stories from a devastating fire. His son is safe. Randy has a long road back.
We get the call, we go. It’s that simple. But sometimes, the toughest calls find us when we’re off the clock.
In the middle of the night, Chicago Fire Department Paramedic Randy Campbell (Ambulance 67) was jolted awake by the smell of smoke. His Mt. Greenwood apartment was on fire.
He immediately woke his 7-year-old son, Merrill. But the fire moved fast. Both exits were already blocked by a wall of heavy smoke and flames.
Randy was trapped. His son was trapped.
With no other way out, Randy did what any parent—and any firefighter—would do. He protected his son. He grabbed Merrill, held him tight, and jumped from the third-story window.
His Son is Safe. His Recovery is Just Beginning.
Merrill walked away unharmed, shielded by his father.
Randy took the full impact of the fall. He suffered a fractured L5 vertebra—a serious injury we all know means a long, painful, and difficult recovery. It's a tough road for any medic, and it means he can't be on the rig, serving the city he loves.
Randy’s first thought was to save his son. Now, our first thought must be to help our brother.
He Needs Our Help
This fundraiser is to support Randy and his family as they face the challenging weeks and months ahead. We all know the job. An injury like this doesn’t just take a physical toll; it takes a financial and emotional one, too.
Your donation will go directly to Randy and his family to help cover medical bills, lost wages, and the immense stress of this recovery.
Let's show Randy the full strength of the CFD family and the Chicago community. Thank you for standing by one of Chicago’s own heroes.
