IMG 8348The Bethel Township Fire Department named Jeffrey Allsup an Honorary Firefighter in their department upon learning of the teen’s wish to enter a life-saving profession.  The 15-year-old Medway boy died January 23 from injuries sustained in an accident one week prior.

Bethel Township Fire Department Chaplain/Lieutenant Jerry Meddock said he began speaking with Allsup’s mother after the accident, during which time, he learned that Allsup had wanted to be a firefighter or enter a military career when he was older.  Meddock said this resonated with him and fellow Lieutenant Nick Carpenter, who both suggested naming Allsup as an honorary firefighter.  Chief Jacob King approved, and Allsup’s family was presented with his honorary certification at the teen’s visitation service last week.

“He had said many times that he wanted to do something that made a difference in people’s lives,” Meddock said of Allsup. “He wanted a job where he could save lives.”

Meddock said Allsup ended up doing just that upon his death, as the teen was an organ donor.  “His mom was pretty proud of him being an organ donor because he did save some lives by doing that,” Meddock said.

“He may not be here in presence, but his life will love on through others,” Meddock noted.

Brian Dixon, Principal of Tecumseh Middle School, said the eighth-grader was very “outdoorsy,” and that the school held a special “Camouflage Day” on Tuesday of last week in his honor.  Counselors were also made available on that day, as it was the students’ first day back to school since Allsup’s death.

“We’re still grieving here—it’s not going to end overnight,” Dixon said. “We know that many of his close friends are going to be impacted by this for life,” he said, noting that the entire district has banded together in attempt to heal, as well as being grateful for the community support received.

Dixon said he believed Allsup had attended the Tecumseh District since first grade, and remembered him as being “very well-liked” at the middle school.

Jay Burkholder, Principal of Donnelsville Elementary, taught Allsup in fifth grade before he became Principal.  Like Dixon, Burkholder remembers Allsup as being “all boy,” noting his affinity for outdoor endeavors.  “I remember even then he talked to me about four-wheelers,” Burkholder said. “He was one of those kids who were very loyal and dependable…once you got to him and he knew you were genuine, he would stay very loyal to you, I remember that,” said Burkholder.

A fundraiser is being held for the family of Allsup, as the family has been met with many unexpected expenses resulting from the accident.

As the community gathers to try to support the family after this tragedy, a spaghetti fundraising dinner has been organized. Boy Scout Troop # 27 and Girl Scout Troop #30857 are hosting the dinner on Saturday, February 7th at 5:00pm.   The event location is at VFW 9966 at 10750 Mussellman Rd, New Carlisle.  The dinner will cost $6 per person and include a plate of spaghetti, salad, bread sticks, a dessert and drink.

The proceeds from the spaghetti dinner fundraiser will help pay for the funeral expenses. 

This fundraiser is not linked to any online donation site.  

If anyone would like to donate who cannot make it to the dinner, they can do so by stopping by the VFW on Mussellman Rd any Tuesday night from 7-9pm and give it to the Scout leader that will be there.

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