Benefit held for injured fireman

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NEWELL - The East Liverpool Youth Soccer League held a dinner at Clarke Field Sunday to benefit a Newell firefighter injured during a charity soccer game earlier this year.

League Commissioner Dean Kidder said Newell Assistant Fire Chief Tim Steele was injured during a charity game on May 17 in which Steele went to hit a high ball with his head and ended up colliding with another player.

"It was basically a freak accident what happened," said Kidder. "He received the brunt of the injuries."

Kidder added that the first thing Steele, who has taken part in the charity game for the last three years, said after being injured was, "I'm sorry I ruined your game."

Steele's jaw was broken in multiple places, and he also received injuries to his head and nose. As a result of his injuries, Steele has had three plates put in his jaw and one in the side of his head. "It's just something you learn to live with," said Steele. "One day at a time I have to take it."

Steele missed out on months of work due to his injuries, and while he has just recently been able to return to his jobs at the Hancock County 911 Center and North Star Critical Care, he is prohibited from lifting anything and has been confined to light duty.

Steele has also not been allowed to perform many of his duties with the Newell Volunteer Fire Department and cannot put on his heavy gear. Steele said there are still some duties he is able to do, including his officer responsibilities and driving. "I do what I can for them," he said.

Kidder said the soccer league decided to hold the benefit dinner as a way of helping someone who has helped them. "We, as a league, want to give back to him," Kidder said. "It's the least we could do. It's our way to repay him for his service."

Kidder said the turnout for the dinner was good and that some people driving by even stopped to give donations.

"I just appreciate them doing this and helping me out," said Steele, adding of his accident, "Things happen."

Kidder said the charity soccer games, which are held annually to benefit Shop with a Cop and are participated in by members of the Hancock County Sheriff's Department, the Chester and Newell fire departments, and the East Liverpool, St. Clair, and Liverpool Township police departments, wouldn't have grown to what they are now without "everyone coming together to help the children."

Kidder said the proceeds from the game are divided between Hancock County and the East Liverpool area and benefit 20 children every year.

Kidder said a special thanks to everyone who donated items for Steele's benefit dinner, including Sparkle, Mary's Pizza, the Newell Civic Council, and Rosetta Williamson.