PFD Firefighter Ballinger Injured on Duty

On the early morning of Saturday, February 25th, Ladder 13 of the Philadelphia Fire Department responded to a house fire with a report of people trapped in the area of Southwest Philadelphia. While performing roof operations, FF Randy Ballinger lost his footing on the roof and fell 25ft to the cement pavement below. He was rushed to the nearest trauma center and was placed in critical condition. After numerous scans and tests, he was found to have a concussion, torn aorta, collapsed lung, broken ribs, broken pelvis, multiple long bone fractures of both legs, and a compound ankle fracture.

We thankfully, as a company, were able to briefly speak with him after he was stabilized, and in true Randy fashion, he still had kept his sense of humor and was cracking jokes despite his condition. Randy has a long history of serving the community. Randy began his career as a volunteer firefighter for Woodbury Fire Department in New Jersey before earning a paid position. He worked there for several years and eventually transitioned over to the Philadelphia Fire Department which he has been a part of for the past 5 years. He also is a proud member of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums.

Randy has formed close relationships with people everywhere he has gone due to his outgoing personality and love of helping others. He has a very long recovery ahead of him with multiple surgeries and physical therapy. We are hoping to provide updates on his condition here as well as monetary support for the many costs that lay ahead for him, his fiancé Kathy, and his two young children. Any support is so greatly appreciated and we can’t wait to see Randy back in the station with us doing what he loves most.