Boot drive collects money for Clarendon firefighter battling cancer

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Firefighters from three companies are out today collecting money in a boot drive for Jon DeYoung, the deputy fire chief at Clarendon who is battling colon cancer for the second time.

DeYoung, 49, as been an active firefighter with the Clarendon Fire Company for 25 years. In the top photo, his son Jon DeYoung Jr. accepts money from a motorist in the boot drive at the intersection of routes 31 and 237.

Firefighters form Clarendon, Holley and the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray fire companies are out collecting funds for DeYoung, who is currently receiving treatments at the Cleveland Clinic.

DeYoung Jr. thanked the other firefighters in the East Battalion of Orleans County for rallying on behalf of his father.

“In the East Battalion we stick together,” DeYoung Jr. said.

His father has been a long-time leader for the Clarendon Fire Company, earning respect and admiration in the community, said Fire Chief Bob Freida.

“He’s an outstanding person who wouldn’t think twice about helping someone else in the community,” Freida said.

Holley firefighters had the idea for the boot drive today. In this picture Harris Reed, Holley’s assistant chief, accepts a donation.

Harris Reed, front, and Holley firefighter Jim Papponetti work together at this intersection on Route 31.

Update 4 p.m.: Holley Fire Department officials say the boot drive raised $2,710 for DeYoung and his family to help pay for costs not covered by insurance.