BBQ and blood drive planned Sunday for Fresno Fire Capt. Pete Dern in Sanger

A blood drive and barbecue to benefit injured Fresno Fire Capt. Pete Dern will be held Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. in Sanger.

Dern, 49, has been hospitalized at the Leon S. Peters Burn Center at Community Regional Medical Center since March 29, when he fell through a burning roof while battling a house fire. Dern suffered second- and third-degree burns to 65% of his body and has undergone multiple skin grafts.

Those wishing to help Dern can purchase meals of barbecued tri-tip and chicken, pilaf, beans and bread rolls at $10 per plate at the Sanger Women’s Club at 1602 Seventh St. The Sanger Firefighters Association will donate proceeds from the event to the Dern family.

Barbecue tickets are available at the Sanger Fire Department, the Sanger Chamber of Commerce, the Sanger Women’s Club and The Sanger Herald. Donations of money, chicken, beef and other barbecue products can be made to the Sanger Firefighters Association. Volunteers are needed to help with the event.

The barbecue is the latest local fundraiser in honor of Dern. A tennis tournament to benefit him was held Friday at Copper River Country Club in Fresno.

Blood donations can be made from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sanger Fire Department at 601 West Ave. (corner of Jensen Avenue and just two blocks from the Women’s Club). Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, in good general health, and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. With written parental consent, 16-year-olds can also donate.

Donors will receive free T-shirts.

This story was originally published May 30, 2015 at 5:22 PM with the headline "BBQ and blood drive planned Sunday for Fresno Fire Capt. Pete Dern in Sanger."