Helping the helpers: Fundraiser established for first responders injured on I-26

KINGSPORT — After four local responders were injured helping at the site of a crash on Interstate 26 on Sept. 21, it did not take long for the community to step in offering help. Three Kingsport firefighters and one Sullivan County EMS paramedic were hurt while loading a patient into an ambulance at the scene of a secondary wreck. While one firefighter and the paramedics were released from the hospital that evening, the rest of responders were not all released until Sept. 24. Jackie Mumpower, mother of injured paramedic Ryan Mumpower, recalled speaking to her son in the days that followed the incident. She said her son was worried about making house and car payments and taking care of his family. While talking among friends at the school where she works, Mumpower said the idea was proposed to start a fundraiser to support the first responders and their unexpected expenses. Brooklyn Shannon, mother to one of Mumpower's students, was willing to help make the fundraiser a reality. "I don't think either of us knew it was going to turn into what it had as far as the nuances of starting a fundraiser," Shannon said. "We've learned a lot about unincorporated nonprofits and trustees and transparency and just trying to figure out the ins and outs of what this would look like, and how it could go from an idea to actually being something that would benefit the first responders." According to Shannon, a group of willing friends and first responder supporters worked to establish The Brave Four Responder Relief Fund — a nonprofit and bank account that will allow any money raised to 100% go to the injured responders and be split equally four ways. The SupportNow donation page, a similar concept to a GoFundMe campaign, went live Wednesday and garnered 30 donations and $3,777.32 by Friday afternoon, with a goal of $24,000. Both Shannon and Mumpower echoed that many of these first responders were already working multiple jobs before facing this new hardship. Zach Knutson, Gene Lady, Ryan Mumpower and Billy Triplett were named on the page as the first responders impacted from the crash. "We figured if we are thinking these things and we're wondering how we can help, I'm sure the greater community is because these are guys that are running in when people are running out," Shannon said. "They're showing up, they're putting their lives in danger, and so the least we can do is try to ease this financial burden as they can focus on healing and not have to worry about finances." Mumpower said all the first responders have been so humble about the situation and support offered so far, especially because they are used to giving back to the community. Even though she is not managing the account itself, Mumpower said the goal is for these funds to be used to meet medical expenses and take care of daily needs. She said it has been encouraging to see the outpouring of care from neighbors and beyond just in a short amount of time. "I always think anytime you can have a source of hope or a sense of encouragement, I think it will just kind of lift their spirits and let them know the communities behind them, supporting them," Mumpower said. "I think any time you have hope and encouragement in your heart and around you, it can go a long way." How to help Shannon and Mumpower said people can donate through the SupportNow page or can make a donation in person at any Eastman Credit Union branch by providing the name "Brave Four Relief Fund." They thanked the community in advance for their support during this time of healing. Shannon said she chose the SupportNow platform so the responders would get 100% of the funds. To make a donation online, go to https://www.supportnow.org/the-brave-four-responder-relief.