A GoFundMe for an injured Moncks Corner Fire Department captain has raised more than $10,000, but the fundraiser’s organizer said more is needed as the timeline for his recovery is unknown.
Captain Walter Kinsey was driving to work from his home in Holly Hill Wednesday, March 27, when he was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 176 near Ridgeville. Kinsey sustained multiple injuries, has had numerous surgeries and is currently in a coma at Trident Medical Center. The GoFundMe has been started to help his wife, Lauren, and 2-year-old son, who will have to make countless trips of roughly two hours to and from the trauma center.
“They will need financial assistance in the next several months as Walter will undergo multiple remaining surgeries and spend extended time in the hospital,” said Timothy Potter, organizer of the GoFundMe page and treasurer of the Berkeley County Professional Firefighters Association. “Walter is covered by health insurance, but we all know insurance doesn’t pay for everything, and medical bills are expensive.”
As of Friday, April 5, GoFundMe had raised $10,380 from 142 donations of its $100,00 goal. In addition to medical bills and travel costs, the money is intended to ease the family’s food burden, replace reduced income from missed working hours and cover other expenses.
“As this hero has sacrificed to help those in need over the past 13 years as a firefighter for the people of Berkeley and Orangeburg counties, please help them move forward through this difficult time with your thoughts, prayers and financial assistance,” Potter said. “I’ve worked alongside Walter long enough to know he will stick his head out there for what is right. He gives of himself to aid total strangers in their time of need as so many are doing for him in his time of need. He is kind, caring, and compassionate. I faithfully believe that his kindness, caring, and compassion will be returned tenfold for the good he has done, risking his life for others. I patiently wait for the day I will speak to him and tell him of all the kind words and generosity that have been offered to him and his wonderful family.”
Potter said other fundraisers, such as spaghetti dinners and raffles, are also being planned for Kinsey. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/fire-captain-severally-injured-in-traffic-accident.
