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Toledo Strong honors fallen firefighters with annual tradition

Toledo Strong is a local nonprofit organization donating food to Toledo Firefighters.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Jan. 26, marks nine years since two Toledo firefighters were killed.

Stephen A. Machcinski, 42, and James Dickman, 31, died of injuries sustained while fighting a fire at Magnolia Street in north Toledo. Private Machcinski had more than 15 years of service. Private Dickman was appointed to the department in September of that year.

The founder of Toledo Strong is continuing a tradition this year by feeding all the Toledo Fire & Rescue employees on the day the heroes were killed. Since 2015, Toledo Strong has been donating breakfast and dinner to fire crews.

Around 60 dozen donuts from Bakery Unlimited and Holey Toledough will be devoured.

It doesn't just stop at donuts, either. Lunch from Focaccia's and dinner from Angelo's Northwood Villa, Lulu Fare LLC, Jo-Jo's Pizza, The Blarney, Hot Sizzling Wok, Magic Wok and Sidelines Sports Eatery and Pub will be donated to fire stations across Toledo.

The group was created with the purpose of doing good in the community in honor of the two fallen heroes.

"My kid's aunt is a firefighter and we were with her on the day she got the phone call, that kind of changed things," Larry Cready, founder of Toledo Strong, said. "We were at the services, the masses and the funeral procession. I saw a brotherhood that I really haven’t seen before."

Lieutenant Brian Matuszynski was working with Machcinski on Jan. 25, 2014. Matuszynski remembers that time well.

"Bad tragedy, it hurt all of us," Matuszynski said. "Some of us were good friends with them."

While the pain will never completely go away, their brothers and sisters say each year gets a little easier.

"The pain kind of subsides," Matuszynski said. "It's kind of business as usual, but we still remember."

Toledo Strong has become an annual tradition to thank people like Private Devon Price for their sacrifice.

"It's very heartwarming to know that the community we're serving loves us back, understanding what today meant for us as a department, for them to give us food, provide us breakfast, it's a great feeling," Price said. "We appreciate it a lot."

If you would like to help out and donate to Toledo Strong, click here.

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