Community raising money to support injured Milwaukee firefighter and his daughter

Updated: 3:23 p.m. on March 20, 2023

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee firefighter continues to recover from serious injuries suffered while battling a fire Saturday night near 78th and Oklahoma. 

On Monday, the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) said they're grateful for the community's concern and interest. 

The fire department says Jeffrey Rothmeier was on the roof when he slipped and fell two stories.

His injuries include a severe concussion, memory loss, a bruised lung, broken ribs and a spinal fracture, according to a GoFundMe.

The page has now raised more than $50,000 for Rothmeier and his daughter, Fiona. The fundraiser says she had surgery Monday to remove one of her kidneys. The family says the three-hour surgery was more challenging than anticipated, and Fiona lost a lot of blood. Doctors are now monitoring her closely for the next 24 hours. 

MFD says they're "actively supporting the Rothmeier family in every way possible." They say an update will be shared when the timing is appropriate. 

You can find a link to the fundraiser here. 

Published: 8:49 p.m. on March 18, 2023

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A firefighter was injured while battling a fire on W. Oklahoma Ave. on Saturday, March 18, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department.

Officials told CBS 58 that the extent of the injuries is unknown at this time, and the firefighter was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities are still investigating the incident.

CBS 58 was also told that the incident was initially considered a run-of-the-mill fire but became more severe when the firefighter was injured.

Several residents were displaced as a result of the fire, and the American Red Cross has been alerted to provide assistance. The exact number of people affected by the displacement is currently unknown.

Further details will be provided as they become available.