McKinney firefighters are rallying to support a colleague who was injured last month while hanging Christmas lights.
Richard Smith, 38, fell from a roof in Frisco on Nov. 20. He was in stable but critical condition Monday at the Medical Center of Plano.
His fellow firefighters have spent time with him and his family at the hospital and have voluntarily picked up his shifts so Smith won't go without pay or use vacation time.
The McKinney Fire Department is also holding a blood drive in Smith's honor from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Central Fire Station in McKinney on Thursday.
Like many firefighters, the 10-year veteran of the McKinney Fire Department hangs Christmas lights for extra cash, Assistant Fire Chief Frank Roma said.
"He is very comfortable working on roofs and using ladders," he said. "This was just an unfortunate accident."
Firefighter Chris Mayzr, who said Smith became his mentor when he became a firefighter two years ago, said Fire Station No. 5 is not the same without him.
"He's got a contagious personality and a great laugh," Mayzr said. "It's hard to be in a bad mood around Richard."
Smith, who is married and has two young children, is known for his work with kids. He dresses up as Superman to teach children how to be safe.
