Community Planning Fundraiser for Injured Macon – Bibb Firefighter

GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The community is coming together to support a Macon – Bibb firefighter who was hit and critically injured by a car on I-75.

Thursday was the first of many meetings to raise money for Sergeant Eric John.

Genevieve Rhyne says her brother Eric was always the man ready to help others.

The Macon – Bibb firefighter was hit by a car and critically injured while helping on an accident scene in mid July.

Genevieve, affectionately known as “Cookie,” described the moment.

“They said when they looked around he was flipping in the air, now Eric is a big guy 6’2″ maybe 250 pounds,” Rhyne said.

Eric was sent to the ICU with serious injuries.

“The EMT guy, he told me when he got to Eric on that freeway that he was dead already, when he got him in the back of that ambulance he was dead already and they brought him back…they brought him back…and that’s because God has a bigger plan for him it wasn’t his time and those people were right there at the right time to save my brother’s life,” Rhyne said.

The Facebook group “Prayers for Eric John” has over 1,000 members and there are even t-shirt sales to support him.

Genevieve says prayers from people closest to Eric, along with strangers from all over the world have helped her family.

She’s ready to see her little brother smile again.

“To see him in his uniform again, sitting up there, being proud of what he is and who he works for and what he does for a living…I just can’t wait for that day again,” Rhyne said.

The accident is still under investigation.

Genevieve says Eric is doing a lot better and every day she’s optimistic.

The group organizing the fundraisers is planning to have events like a 5k, a benefit motorcycle ride, a pancake breakfast, and a silent auction on September 14.

If you would like to support their event, you can contact Liana Rogers at (478) 501-3479, or visit their Facebook Page called “Prayers for Eric John.”