Guest guest Posted February 27, 2005 Report Share Posted February 27, 2005 A man who's career meant putting his life on the line to save others will continue to help others even in his death. Groves fireman Greg Dale, 35, died Friday evening from head injuries he received in an accident a week ago. But because he was an organ donor, Dale's death may mean a second chance at life for numbers of critically ill people. " They have already found matches for at least four of Greg's organs, " the Rev. Joe Worley, pastor of First Baptist Church in Groves where Dale was a member, said. " I know they found donors for his liver and kidneys and are trying to find a match for his heart. At least this way a terrible situation can be turned into something good. That is the kind of person Greg was. That's what his life was about. " Dale was off duty on Saturday, Feb. 19 riding a four-wheeler in the area between the Procter Street Extension and Texas 87. When the vehicle flipped over, Dale received serious head injuries and was taken in critical condition to Christus St. Hospital in Port Arthur. He was later flown to Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston and was pronounced dead there at 7 p.m. Feb. 25. He is survived by a wife, Deanna, and two sons, Cameron, 9, and Cace, 6. In the week while he was hospitalized, Dale and his family received an outpouring of support from across Southeast Texas. A fund-raising dinner to help with medical bills completely sold out 2,000 tickets and organizers then sold an additional 2,000 tickets. The dinner will still be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5 at the Groves Knights of Columbus Hall. Worley said the dinner will now be a loving tribute to the fireman's life. " Our community has a lot to be proud of. From the fire department in Groves and the surrounding communities, to the city officials and his church, really from every corner of the community, people have been exceptional in their support, " Worley said. Worley and fellow firefighters described Dale, a 12-year veteran of the fire department, as a wonderfully upbeat and giving person in everything that he did. " He was a very unique individual and an outstanding firefighter, " Capt. Brad Corley of the Groves Fire Department, said. " He was always willing to help and very involved in activities with both our department and in the community. " The Groves Swimming Pool Board, the Groves Baseball League and Texas Pecan Festival are among the volunteer activities Dale took part in. He also drove a bus to pick children up for day care at First Baptist Church. " He was one of those people that saw a job to be done and if it was for a good cause he just said 'let's do it,' " Corley said. " There will be a tremendous void in our department without Greg. It will be extremely hard to find another firefighter of the same caliber. Our loss will be significant, but we know how he was. He would tell us to remember that we have a job to do and to go do it. " Funeral arrangements are pending with Levingston Funeral Home in Groves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2005 Report Share Posted February 27, 2005 My prayers are with his family and the Groves Fire Department. e, LP Port Arthur, Tx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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