Last weekend dozens of Suffolk firefighters, their families and other supporters turned out to raise nearly $4,000 to benefit fire fighter John Sieminski.

Sieminski, a Suffolk firefighter for three years, has been diagnosed with lupus, and is in need of continuing medical treatment. Because he cannot work, Sieminski is in danger of joining the estimated 45 million other Americans who do not have health insurance.

It was wonderful to the see the community turn out in such force on Saturday to keep Sieminski from joining those ranks.

The Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (CASS) and the Suffolk Ya-Ya’s staged Saturday’s successful spaghetti dinner fund raiser that will help the Siemanski family with their immediate needs, but the problem is not likely to go away soon.

Suffolk firefighters like Siemanski willingly risk their lives to help those in need. The community should willingly come to their aid when it is required.

You can contribute to the Sieminskis by sending a check to CASS at 402 Highland Avenue, Suffolk 23434. Please note &uot;John Sieminksi&uot; on your check. Or you can call CASS founder Donna Perry at 679-3993 for more information.