FF Dustin Mantz

Injured in Off Duty Accident

During the afternoon of September 2nd, IAFF Local 3518 Brother Dustin Mantz was involved in an unusual accident. Brother Mantz is an outdoorsman, who typically loves to camp, hunt and ride ATVs. This particular afternoon, he was in a tree removing his stand. Unfortunately, he fell.

The events that unfolded are tragic and heroic.

Brother Nelson Klaiber was with him at the time of the accident. It was Brother Klaiber who not only saw the accident, but immediately took the steps necessary to get help. This help was not easy to come by. The brothers were deep in the woods and had limited cell phone reception. Extracation from these woods proved difficult. Without the efforts of Brother Klaiber, the Peebles Fire Department and Air Care... we believe that the outcome would have been worse.

Brother Mantz was flown to University Hospital, where he was evaluated and found to have a spinal cord injury. And after surgery, it was confirmed that he lost the function of his legs.

We are proud to say that Brother Mantz is now at The Drake Center, undergoing extensive rehabilitation to cope and manage with his injury. We continue to offer support and we are asking everyone to do the same.

Dealing with the Changes

Brother Mantz is faced with many changes.

His home is not handicapped accessible. Our Union has pledged the time and effort needed to make it happen. We are asking any individual or business interested to help donate construction materials or items necesary to complete this remodeling.

The return to active firefighting duty is not likely. So we are also working hard to raise funds to make such a lifestyle transition that much easier. Any items or gifts that you can make available for a charity auction would be appreciated.

A letter detailing these requests can be found under our Events Web Page... or by following this link... Mantz Donation Letter

An account has also been established at Fifth-Third Bank, for those wishing to make a financial contribution.

If you wish to make an immediate donation online, you can do so through IAFF Local 3518 by clicking on the donate button below. Your generousity is greatly appreciated.

Pulse Journal Article

On Sunday, October 4, 2009, this article appeared in the Pulse Journal Newspaper. Read the Article

The Fundraisers

Please keep Saturday, November 21 open on your calendar. IAFF local 3518 is busy organizing another fundraiser for FF Dustin Mantz.

The Back Porch Saloon has generously offered their facility for the event. Please see the flyer in our Events Section... or Click Here


This fundraiser and silent auction will have many items that have been donated from businesses around the tri-state area.

The silent auction will be capped off with a 2009 Harley Davidson Motorcycle Raffle. The motorcycle was provided by Harley Davidson of Cincinnati. Find our Harley Raffle page and get your ticket.