Students Fundraise for Fresno Fire Capt. Dern, Visit Him in Hospital

A group of students from Maple Creek Elementary in the Clovis Unified School District visited the burn center at Fresno Community Regional Medical Center Friday to deliver a gift to Fresno Fire Capt. Pete Dern, who was badly burned in March while fighting a house fire.

Through their Dimes for Dern campaign, students at the school raised $ 4,402 in 12 days for his family.

"The kids and the families at Maple Creek couldn’t wait to just donate and be a part of this and help out Captain Dern," said Tami Frediani, teacher at Maple Creek Elementary.

Fourth through sixth grade students from the school’s leadership group delivered handmade cards for Capt. Dern and other burn survivors.

Dern’s wife and daughter were there to receive the check and cards and were grateful for the support.

"This is just an awesome fundraiser. You guys are awesome. Thank you. And I know the burn unit will really appreciate that. Thank you," Kelly Dern, Capt. Dern’s wife, said to the students.

Before getting to visit Capt. Dern, medical staff gave the students a tour of the burn center to help them understand the kind of care he’s receiving.

Every day, Capt. Dern continues to receive support from his fire family and the community.

"It’s emotional, and we’re very proud," said Fresno Fire Battalion Chief Lawrence French.

From outside his room, students smiled and waved to Capt. Dern. One student was allowed to go in and personally deliver the cards they made for him.

Visits like these keep the captain in good spirits.

"He has the absolute best chance of recovery because of the love and support around him," said Sandra Yovino, clinical director of the Leon S. Peters Burn Center at CRMC.