STOCKTON — Saturday, the Stockton Volunteer Fire Department will host a benefit to assist one of its own, Chad North.

The benefit consists of a barbecue dinner (pickup only) and auction of various items at the Stockton Volunteer Fire Department. Plates cost $6 each.

Tax-deductible donations are also being accepted at the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Lakeland. An account has been opened in the name of Chad North.

Chad and his brother Derek North were involved in a tragic fire truck accident on Feb. 23. Derek passed away, and Chad was severely injured. Chad is now home from the hospital and is expected to recover, but the road to healing will be a long one. He is expected to miss more than 12 weeks of work with the Georgia Department of Transportation in Lowndes County.

Chad has been a part of the Stockton community for approximately 30 years. As a boy, he loved the outdoors, and, as an adult, not much has changed. He is an avid hunter and fisherman.

Chad graduated from the Lanier County High School in 1991. Upon graduation, he immediately entered the U.S. Army. His desire to serve his country is also reflected in his desire to serve his community. He has been a fireman for two years under the leadership of his father, Stockton Fire Department Chief Jimmy North.

To learn more, call Sheila Branch at (229) 563-3347.