Firefighter Hospitalized After Serious Spinal Cord Injury

MOUNT PROSPECT, IL — With a predicted difficult road to recovery ahead, family, friends and community members are rallying around an injured Mount Prospect firefighter. Mitch Winkelmann, 25, suffered a serious spinal cord injury last weekend while off-duty.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for the member of the Mount Prospect Firefighters Local 4119. Winkelmann has been with the Mount Prospect Fire Department for two years, according to the campaign. As of Thursday morning, $62,640 of a $200,000 goal has been raised since Monday.

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Winkelmann and his wife, Sarah, are recent newlyweds.

"Mitch's road to recovery will be a difficult one, so we are asking you to consider donating to help Mitch and his wife, Sarah," Mount Prospect Firefighters Local 4119 said in a post on the campaign website. "In the meantime, please keep Mitch and his family in your thoughts and prayers while they navigate this difficult transition."

Winkelmann, who lives in Villa Park, was boating on Fox River with friends last Saturday when he struck an object or sandbar after jumping into the water, reports Daily Herald.

A number of local firefighter unions have made contributions, including Arlington Heights, Glenview, Des Plaines and Wilmette.

In addition to the GoFundMe, donations can be mailed to Mount Prospect Firefighters Local 4119 at PO Box 313, Mount Prospect, IL 60056. Checks should be made payable to Sarah Winkelmann.