Injured Philadelphia FirefighterGets Big Break

Philadelphia Firefighter Randy Ballinger, 38, fell 25-feet off a twostory row home on South Paxton Street, after putting out a fire on February 25, 2023. Luckily, he was properly wearing his issued helmet which helped to save his life that day. He then spent the next 11 days at the trauma center until he was released.

The father of two from Roxborough suffered a punctured lung, broken pelvis, and fractures in his legs. He also underwent heart surgery.

When he is not putting out fires, Ballinger is shredding his bass guitar in the punk band, Jersey Calling, comprised of four friends with whom he grew up with in and around South Jersey. Ballinger has been recovering in a wheel chair and still practicing with the band. When word reached Geoff Gordon, President of Live Nation Northeast about Ballinger, Gordon said, “We need to find a slot at the Adjacent Music Festival (held Memorial Day weekend) for Randy and his band.”

Jersey Calling’s music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other streaming services, including their hits “Anthem of the Alchemist” and “The Broken People.” - Submitted by Ike Richman

Hegins Valley Fire Rescue Parade

The Hegins Valley Fire Rescue Parade was held June 8, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko