Wrights thankful for charity from fire departments

    Each May, the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association selects a special needs child for its Browning Memorial Award.
    The award that memorializes former Imperial firefighter Jack Browning also went to an Imperial youth this year.
    Brenton Wright, who’s dad Doug is a member of the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department, was showered with gifts as this year’s recipient.    
    His mom Sabre is a member of the IVFD auxiliary.
    The award was presented to 4-year-old Brenton and his parents on the first day of the State Fire School, May 20-22 in Grand Island.
    He was showered with gifts from fire departments across the state. He went home with Paw Patrol toys, his own personalized fire helmet and numerous gift cards they’ll use to purchase a 360-degree swivel car seat.
    Doug Wright said the IVFD also made the award extra special as its members purchased a state of art Stingray Tilt-in-Space stroller. Young Brenton had outgrown his other one, Wright said.
Brenton was born with a rare genetic condition affecting the brain. His parents said he was diagnosed with Lissencephaly shortly after turning 2 months old. Lissencephaly is characterized by having a smooth brain.
Complications of the condition include seizures, poor muscle tone, compromised immune systems, eating difficulties, developmental delays and a shortened life span.
When originally diagnosed, there were still a lot of unknowns for him or what his future would hold, his mother said. He has struggled with seizures and takes medication every day to help.  
Brenton underwent surgery at 8 months old to have a G-tube placed for eating and drinking. He receives physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Currently,  he is unable to walk or talk and has poor trunk control, but improves every day, according to his parents.
His dad said all the donations will certainly help in Brenton’s care.
While there have been several past recipients of the Browning Memorial Award from Imperial and the surrounding area, Fire Chief Doug Mitchell believes this is the first time the youngster’s parent also serves on the IVFD.
Browning award background
Nominations for the Browning Memorial Award are made by the state’s volunteer fire departments for children ages 1 to 16 who are suffering from a life-threatening condition or who are severely handicapped.
Jack Browning, then 53, died in a river drowning accident in Mississippi in June 1988, along with his daughter and grandson.
At the time of his death, he held the IVFD office of captain, an office that has since been  retired.
He was also heavily involved in regional and state fire activities, and had been an instructor at state, mutual aid and local fire schools.
He had been an IVFD member for 28 years at the time of his death.