Community Rallies For Ex-Fire Chief, 'An Amazing Man,' In Time Of Need

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A man who had dedicated decades to serving his community needs help — and longtime friends and neighbors are opening their hearts to give back.

A GoFundMe page, "Challenging Times For An Amazing Man and Family" was created by Elizabeth Fallo for Artie Brown of Hampton Bays.

"Many of us know Artie for his witty sense of humor and his ability to make the world smile," Fallo wrote. "He is a loving husband to his wife Aimee, a dad to their beautiful, blended family, and a proud grandpa."

He's left a long legacy, she said, as the chaplain, ex-chief and more-than 33-year member of the Hampton Bays Fire Department, the vice president of the Southampton Pistol & Rifle Club, and the vestry senior warden at St. Mary's Episcopal Church.

"No matter how you are connected, we all know the joy he has brought to a room," Fallo wrote.

In December, Brown began to experience some forgetfulness and confusion, but there was no explanation, Fallo added. After months of doctors and testing, he received a dire diagnosis — Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. CJD, she said, is a neurodegenerative disorder that is rapidly progressive and always fatal, usually within a year of onset.

"Artie's condition has taken over, and he is now bedridden and often no longer verbal," Fallo wrote. "This is a cruel and unforgiving condition, but Aimee is working hard to care for him as he has cared for others his entire life."

Fallo said that Brown's family is greatly appreciative of all the support they continue to receive.

"Many have approached his wife offering their support, but there has not been a path in place for them to donate easily — to help relieve a touch of the financial stress that is upon them since both had to stop working over six months ago," she said.

Fallo added: "We know even though the paychecks have stopped, the bills and everyday life of children in college and daily expenses are nonstop. For those that would like and are able, here is our chance to provide an amazing man and family just a touch of relief during this difficult and painful time. CJD is brutal and unkind. Let's see how we can support a man who has been an amazing part of our long-time community."

And, she said: ""He is an amazing man that has been struck with an evil condition."

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

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