Palmer firefighter recovering from windstorm injuries

EOWYN LeMAY IVEY-Frontiersman reporter

With an entire community rallying for him, a Palmer firefighter nearly killed during last month's windstorm appears to be on the road to recovery.

Volunteer firefighter Todd Russell regained consciousness the weekend before last and seems to have full movement of his limbs, according to Palmer Fire Chief Dan Contini.

"He's been doing better and better," Contini said. The fire chief recently visited the Russell in the hospital, and while Russell was unable to talk because of a tracheotomy, Contini said he was left with the impression that Russell was alert and aware.

"I feel strongly he knew who I was when I walked into the room," Contini said. "He waved at me … and we had a good strong handshake."

This comes as good, if not miraculous, news considering Russell's condition less than a month ago after a Palmer Chevron sign crashed down on to the fire truck he was in. Blown over by record-high winds, the pole sign crushed the passenger side of the vehicle and left Russell with life-threatening head injuries.

According to Contini, Palmer has never come so close to losing one of its firefighters.

"This is my first experience with an injury like this," Contini said. "We never even have broken bones … This is the weirdest thing that has ever happened."

Russell and Assistant Fire Chief Barry Mothershead were preparing to head north on the Glenn Highway to respond to one of the many fires during the windstorm when the accident occurred. Mothershead, who was driving, was not injured.

Russell has spent the past weeks in intensive care at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, but he has recently been moved into the main portion of the hospital.

Contini said doctors are planning to remove some of the tubes and medical equipment connected to Russell and start him on a physical therapy regimen that will have him up and walking.

"It's wonderful," Contini said. "Everyone is just tickled."

It is clear around Palmer that Russell has been in many people's thoughts. A sign at the Palmer Fire Department reads, "Todd get well soon. You are missed." Local businesses display notices that list an account at Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union where people can lend a financial hand to the Russell family. From city hall to Cottonwood Creek Elementary, everyone seems anxious for news of how the firefighter is doing.

At the Palmer Fire Department, a billboard lists regular updates on Russell's recovery. Beside these notes someone has pinned up a photograph of Russell before the accidents, smiling and standing next to a fire truck.

In addition to being a volunteer firefighter, 31-year-old Russell is a husband, father, lifelong Palmer resident and custodian at Cottonwood Creek Elementary. The school's principal, Marie Burton, said a staff member at the school goes to the hospital regularly and brings back updates for his co-workers.

"He is very much a part of our team," Burton said of Russell. She said his co-workers miss him and are looking forward to him returning next fall.

Russell has worked at the school four years, but as with many Valley residents, Burton's history with the firefighter goes back much further.

"I've known him since he was eight years old," Burton said. Burton and Contini both describe the firefighter as community oriented and kind.

Contini, too, has known Russell for years. The fire chief recalls seeing Russell as a child playing at his grandmother's house. When the fire trucks would drive by, the little boy would wave enthusiastically.

According to Contini, firefighting has always been Russell's passion.

"Fire is his business," Contini said.

People wishing to make donations to assist the Russell family may do so at any branch of the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union.