DeKalb County firefighters working to help one of their own

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County's oldest living firefighter still resides in the county and has recently had to turn to his fellow firefighters for help.

Lt. Douglas Marks was DeKalb's 38th firefighter. He retired years ago, but he has not been forgotten. Station 9 has built a deck and moved his wheelchair ramp to the back, but his house needs a new roof and a lot of work is needed in the back room.

For 25 years, Marks suited up to protect DeKalb County homes. He was the county's first paramedic and in a department now 650 strong he was its 38th hire. Since his retirement, he has suffered from a stroke, dementia and respiratory problems from years on the job.

Firefighter David McBrayer said he has responded to Marks’ home countless times for medical calls, and that that was when Station 9 realized the needs of one of their own.

They said they wanted to give him something back.

They built a deck and moved Mark's wheelchair ramp to the back of the house out of concern for Marks' wife, Maxine.

The couple in their 80s have a laundry list of repairs that even DeKalb County's finest is struggling to provide.

Capt. Shane Jones said manpower is not the problem; they are struggling to fund the supplies.

Maxine Marks said Station 9 has always been there and always will be.

“From the bottom of my heart and his heart, it would be greatly appreciated," she said.

WSBTV