Loss of firefighter son spurs mom's effort to help others

Loss of firefighter son spurs mom's effort to help others
Eloísa Ruano González Sentinel Staff Writer
5:43 PM EDT, May 7, 2009
Sherri Lang traveled a lonely path after her son, Ben, was killed on the job as a Polk County firefighter in 2004.

It's a path she wishes for no other. So Lang launched the Fallen Firefighter Survivors Foundation to help other families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

"I want to soften the blow," said Lang, 45, of Winter Haven. "I've already walked it. I don't want others to walk it alone."

Last year, 114 firefighters in the U.S. died on duty. Although fire departments typically pay for funerals, Lang said other bills pile up. She hopes to raise enough to help each family with a maximum of $2,000 to cover utility bills, mortgage payments and even funeral attire if needed.
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Loss of firefighter son spurs mom's effort to help others