Anthony "Tony" Grider - Firefigher - Kentucky

Tony Grider

Captain Anthony Grider, age 41, died on September 20, 2014, at a hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.

Anthony was a member of the Campbellsville Fire Rescue Department. He had 16 years of service.

The "Ice Bucket Challenge" is a campaign to raise funds for research into the devastating disease ALS.

ALS is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and is a motor neurone disease. It is often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease in the U.S.A. and Canada.

ALS involves muscle atrophy and weakness, difficulty in speaking, swallowing and breathing. It has no cure and no real treatment.

The Ice Bucket Challenge involves dumping a bucket of ice water over your head, having it filmed for posting on social media, and the subsequent donation of funds towards ALS research. One person does it and challenges a relative, a friend or a celebrity to do the same. There has been a huge positive response to this campaign in the Summer of 2014.

On August 21, 2014, Tony Grider and another firefighter took on this challenge with the view to raising funds for the cause. They were on a ladder truck and dumped water on the Campbellsville University Marching Band as part of the stunt. Tragically, they were too close to a power line and the electricity arced and struck the two men in the bucket of the ladder truck.

Both men were transported to the hospital. Sadly, Tony Grider succumbed to his

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for Tony
and for those who have
lost him

burn injuries a month later.

Warning to Everyone: If you get within 3 or 4 feet from a power line, the electricity can jump or arc to you and electrocute you. Beware!

The Campbellsville Fire Rescue Department is in mourning over the death of their brother. Tony is described as a good man who was friendly and helpful. He tried to do his best.

Tony's loved ones are devastated over his tragic death. He was an honorable man.  He will be forever mourned.

Tony is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his parents, his wife, Gena; and his five children.

Thank you for your service to the community, Tony.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray for all who linger and who suffer.

Pray that Tony is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.