An online fundraiser for a North Whidbey firefighter who suffered a stroke while on duty earlier this month has raised almost $20,000 to help him with medical expenses.
Daniel Hovelsrud, 28, was at North Whidbey Fire and Rescue Station 25 on Sept. 7 when he collapsed due to a stroke. Fellow first responders took him to Island Hospital in Anacortes before a Life Flight helicopter crew took him to Swedish Medical Center in Seattle.
He had another stroke the next day and doctors discovered other factors that led to more complications, adding to his recovery time. Hovelsrud is transitioning from a career in the Navy to firefighting, North Whidbey Fire and Rescue Chief John Clark said. He has served for six years and has been at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for the past five years. He has volunteered with the fire district since 2020.