Brownwood Firefighters Shave their Heads in Support of Jake Landess

Several Brownwood firefighters showed support of one of their own who was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) by shaving their heads to raise money for his medical expenses.

Eight men on the Brownwood Fire Department C shift got their heads shaved early Monday morning.  Several other firefighters and the Fire Marshal Buddy Preston had already been shaved on Saturday, nearly all of the department in fact, have shaved in support of Landess.

44-year-old Landess joined Brownwood Fire Department in 2001 and was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  He has been hospitalized at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas for more than a month enduring aggressive treatment.  With hospital bills growing, local emergency responders are coming to his aid with multiple fundraisers. Pictured left is Landess with granddaughter Kylee Faith (photo contributed).

When shaving their heads, firefighters had fun taking pictures of each other and joking about the results.  Some were surprised to find they had “wrinkles on their head like a Shar Pei puppy,” scars they had forgotten about and such white skin under their usually thick hair. Pictured with shaving firefighters below is barber Roland Finch who donated his time to the cause.

Over the past few weeks, these men have been gathering donations to help Landess with his medical bills.  This fundraiser has raised approximately $2500 so far.

In addition to shaving their heads, the firemen are working on several other fundraisers which include the following:

*Raffle of a one-night stay at the Star of Texas Bed and Breakfast, donated by owners Don and Debbie Morelock.  Tickets are $10 each and if more than 100 are sold, a wine and cheese tray will be added to the lucky winner’s package.

*Raffle of a European American Armory SAR B6P 9mm. Chances are 1-$5 or 6-$20. This is donated by Brandon Johnson and Diana Porter Johnson.

*Home Run Derby: Heart of Texas EMS, Brownwood Municipal Police Association and the Brownwood Professional Firefighters Association are slugging it out in a Home Run Derby fundraiser which is open to the public, ages 13 and up.  There will be two divisions, Teenage:  13-18 and Adult:  19 and over.  The event will be held at the Bert Massey II Sports Complex softball fields beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13th.  The teenage derby starts at 7:00 p.m., followed by a firefighters verses law enforcement baseball game.  Immediately following the game, the adult derby will begin.   Prizes will be awarded.  Proceeds will be divided 25% for players and 75% to Jake Landess.  During the event, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available by donation and there will be a silent auction.  Those interested in participating in the Home Run Derby can register by calling 325-998-3217 or entering at the event.  Those who wish to make a monetary donation or donate an item to the silent auction, please call Jennifer Trowbridge at 325-998-3217.

*Raffle for a Cerakote powder coating for a firearm.  For details, call Brownwood Fire Department at 325-646-6743.

*Brisket Dinner Fundraiser: Details to be announced soon.

Friends and coworkers of Landess have established a Facebook page,