Cobb County sheriff rallies support to aid injured child of Douglas County firefighter

Cobb County Sheriff Neil Warren is rallying support for the badly injured child of a Douglas County firefighter.

Warren, named Georgia's Sheriff of the Year last year by the Georgia Sheriff's Association, has posted information on an online fundraising drive after the young son of Douglas County Fire Department Sgt. Ron Burleson was accidentally burned this week. From the GoFundMe.com page:

Cobb County Sheriff Neil Warren is rallying support for the family of a Douglas County firefighter whose 18-month-old was badly injured in an accident. Family photo via GoFundMe

Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Credit: Jennifer Brett

For an 18-month old this is significant.  His arms, face and torso have been grafted and this is the first of many surgeries to come.  The family is prayerfully waiting to see how Travis responds and the doctors have not yet given a timeline for his return home.

Ron, a fireman at Station 3 in Douglas County, Georgia and Christina, a school teacher in a Title I elementary school in Cobb County, Georgia, live their lives for their children and family.  The doctors have given Travis an eventual positive prognosis, but they have a very long road ahead with many surgeries, years of PT and risks for potential mobility issues.

This will create a lasting burden on the Burleson family and require round the clock care for Travis for some time.  Their needs are great - both now and in the future.  Your support will enable them to pay medical bills, supplies, and bridge the gap so the family can continue to focus on what matters most.  Your gift, regardless of amount, will be gratefully appreciated as the Burlesons continue on this difficult journey."

Donations can be made via the web site or in person at First Landmark Bank, 307 N. Marietta Parkway NE in Marietta.

Warren joined the Cobb County Sheriff's Department as a deputy in 1974, then was elevated to sheriff in 2003 when Bill Hutson retired. He is currently serving his third term. He was named the 2014 Sheriff of the Year "for his character, professionalism, service to the community and promoting the office of sheriff, said Georgia Sheriff's Association Executive Director Terry Norris.

Last month, Warren made a hospital visit to U.S. Army veteran Christopher Sparkman, who is still recovering from injuries sustained when a suicidal gunman opened fire at a Fed Ex facility one year ago this week. Warren made Sparkman an honorary deputy sheriff and has supported fundraising efforts to assist the Sparkman family.

Cobb County Sheriff Neil Warren and Christopher and Jamie Lynn Sparkman recently. Christopher was able to come home recently after enduring around 40 procedures. His road to recovery remains a long one.

Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Credit: Jennifer Brett