Helton Tire and Off-Road raises money for injured firefighter

WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) – Whitfield County Firefighter Ricky Pratt was driving back from Atlanta when he was suddenly shot in the leg by another driver. While it is tough to make ends meet while recovering. A Dalton auto shop, Helton Tire & Off-Road, has decided to step up and help Ricky and his family until he recovers.

While people think firefighters only work one job, you’d be mistaken as they often have to pick up second or third jobs just to get by.

But the C.E.O. of Helton Tire & Off-Road, Colt Helton, knew he needed to give a helping hand.

“For most firefighters, they have to work that second or third job just to make ends meet. And Ricky’s in one of those situations where he’s not off the firetruck and can’t work. It’s that he can’t work that second and third job which is how most people get by,” said Helton.

This situation “hits close to home” for Colt since he used to be a first responder. So, he announced that Helton Tire and Off-Road would give a portion of the profits this week to Ricky and his family, so he doesn’t have to struggle during these tough times.

“It touches a little bit different for me because I spent almost ten years in fire and EMS, so I’m one of those people that I’ve done it myself. There’re many times I had to work a second or third job just to be able to eat, so it’s more than he just got shot in the leg and he can’t be fire fighter. It’s his off days he can’t do his side hustle,” said Helton.

For more information on how to donate to Ricky and his family, call Helton Tire & Off-Road at 706-226-4738 or visit their website.