Federal Way students aid firefighter's recovery

The Illahee Middle School Builders Club raised about $392 to benefit the family of firefighter Wynn Loiland, who was critically injured last fall.

Loiland, a 31-year veteran at South King Fire and Rescue, was struck by a vehicle while investigating a rollover accident on Interstate 5 in November 2011. Loiland, 52, suffered severe head and facial injuries, a collapsed lung and a broken arm. He was hospitalized for nearly four months and was in a coma during the holidays. He returned home on March 9.

Now in its first year at Illahee, the Builders Club is a branch of the Federal Way Kiwanis Club for junior high school students. Assistant Chief Gordie Olson, Lt. Ryan Herrera and Nick Loiland, son of Wynn Loiland, accepted the check for nearly $392 from the middle school students on May 1.

Nick said his father has made substantial physical and mental progress since being released from Harborview Medical Center in March. Wynn Loiland works out regularly at the YMCA, Nick said, and his injured left arm is getting stronger.

So far, nearly $50,000 has been raised for Loiland's rehabilitation, much of which is not covered by insurance. In February, a fundraiser concert brought in $21,000 for the South King Firefighters Foundation, according to Herrera. The concert was sponsored by Rescue City, a non-profit company that provides firefighter and rope-rescue training throughout the Northwest. The foundation directs these proceeds to the Loiland family.

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