Keller Firefighter David Simmons, an 11-year veteran of Keller Fire-Rescue and active member of IAFF Local 3731, was recently diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia during the Keller Fire Department’s annual physicals.

In the coming months, Simmons, a husband and father of two boys aged 9 and 13, is expected to undergo six rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

To help support the Simmons family, Keller firefighters are planning several fundraising efforts.

Interim Keller Fire Chief David Jones said the outpour of support for Simmons has already been overwhelming.

“David Simmons is an integral part of the Keller Fire Department and City of Keller family,” said Jones. “He has been instrumental in the success of our Emergency Medical Services division as a field training paramedic and as a tactical paramedic with the regional SWAT team.”

In 2009, Simmons received an award from the City of Keller for saving a young girl’s life. He also received the Keller Fire-Rescue Medical Directors Award in 2011.

“His absence creates a void that is hard to describe, and we wish him well in his fight against Leukemia,” said Jones. “He is the sort of guy that is always there when you need him, and our members have banded together to be there for him and his family.”

Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo branch to the “David Simmons Fund.” Checks can also be mailed to:

IAFF Local 3731

P.O. Box 1643

Keller, TX 76244

The Keller Firefighters Association is also selling T-shirts to support the Simmons family. For more information, click here.