A GoFundMe fundraiser for a Santa Barbara County firefighter who recently suffered a stroke and is unable to work has brought in roughly $68,700 of its $70,000 goal as of Saturday.
James “Melly” Mellor, a captain with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, will be out of work as he undergoes treatment and rehabilitation, according to the fundraiser set up by fellow firefighter Matt Brody.
The fundraiser describes Mellor as a selfless leader who has mentored firefighters during his more than 20 years of fire service, which began with Crew 7 out of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He also served with the Los Padres Hotshots before coming to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
The fundraiser said donations will help with medical expenses, lost income and ongoing recovery costs.
“As he focuses on healing, the financial and emotional strain on him and his wife, Julie, continues to grow,” Brody said on the GoFundMe.
Brody called Mellor a person who “would do absolutely anything for anyone, at any time.”
“He is the kind of man who has consistently put the needs of others before his own, leading by example and setting the standard for what it means to serve with integrity, strength, and compassion,” Brody said.
He added: “Now it’s our turn to show up for him. Your support will help ease the burden of medical expenses, lost income, and ongoing recovery costs as James works tirelessly to regain his strength.”
Santa Barbara County Fire Department Fire Captain Mike Gray told Noozhawk the family has requested privacy at this time.
Firefighters and community members have rallied around Mellor and boosted the fundraiser online, including Santa Barbara City Firefighters Association Local 525, Ventura Fire Association and Santa Barbara County Firefighters IAFF Local 2046.
A spokesperson with Local 2046, which represents 200 union members who serve with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, thanked the community for “keeping Melly and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
In a social media post last week, a spokesperson for Local 525 also called on the community to “consider donating, sharing, and keeping James and his family in your thoughts.”