Benefit Concert for Firefighter Brad Dean

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (WIAT) - Brad Dean is one of the many brave men and women who protect our lives daily.  On November 19th, however, he experienced a firefighter's nightmare.  A house fire he was working became momentarily overwhelming.

"It was an excruciating feeling.  Panic had set in.  You kind of were wondering, at some point, whether or not I was going to get out," says Dean.  He did get out, but not without 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns all over his body.  While going through treatment and recovery he is unable to work.  The pension system is effective, but takes months to process. 

Enter Bucky Covington.  The former "American Idol" contestant and country music star is joing up with BLEVE Entertainment for "Help the Good Guys."  The group's goal is to provide immediate financial relief to firefighters and police officers hurt on the job.  "The fact that a firefighter runs into a home to do the right thing, and because of this he can lose everything he's ever worked for, it's unfair.  It's not right, and if I can do something to stop it, I'd love to."

He started with "Bowling with Bucky" Sunday afternoon at Lightening Strikes Bowling Alley in Trussville.  Over 300 bowlers paid $25 each to bowl with Covington and enjoy an acoustic concert afterward in the parking lot. 

"It's hard to say how thankful I am.  To have someone like Bucky Covington to come, it just shows you what kind of quality person he is," says Dean.

Among the guests was WJOX host Tony Kurre.  He knows first hand how important firefighters are to a community.  His house nearly burned down less than a month ago.  "Certainly in the sports world we use the word 'hero' a little too much.  We have our military and our four branches, we have firefighters, we have police officers, people that put their lives on the line every single day to protect everyone else.  It's really a beautiful thing," says Kurre.