Estacada community rallies around firefighter injured in Fourth of July fireworks accident

The Estacada community came together Thursday night to support one of its own. The Old Mill Saloon hosted a fundraiser for Estacada firefighter Micah Koch, donating 25% of the evening's sales to help him and his family as he recovers from serious injuries suffered during a Fourth of July fireworks display. Koch, a certified pyrotechnician, was working his fourth year at the Estacada fireworks event at Estacada High School when he was seriously injured following the display, according to the Estacada Fire District. He received immediate medical care at the scene. PAST COVERAGE | Estacada firefighter suffers severe injuries after fireworks display A Life Flight helicopter was requested but later canceled after paramedics arrived. Koch was transported to a Portland-area hospital, where he remains under medical care. Recovery continues after latest surgery Fire officials said Koch continues to face a long recovery. "Micah's got a long road of recovery in front of him," said Estacada Fire Division Chief Matt Aalto. "Today was a surgery day for Micah. I haven't gotten any feedback yet regarding how that went, but I know that it's a day that we've all been looking forward to as part of his progress to get better." A GoFundMe has also been created to help cover expenses as Koch continues his recovery. A firefighter known for serving others Those who work alongside Koch said his commitment to serving others extends far beyond the fire station. "He's a United States Marine, he is a father, he's one of those guys that naturally draws together a group of people," Aalto said. "That's reflected in the community presence. That's reflected in the response from his fire family today, and that's why we're here to support him for his recovery." Aalto said Koch has been with the Estacada Fire District for five years and is known for his work ethic and positive attitude. "His recovery is not going to be easy," Aalto said. "Mike is one of the fellows that he would always say, 'Yes, sir. Yes, ma'am. Yes, Chief.' He's got that formality to him, but in the same smile he'll be that fun guy. He'll be the person that's there to work. He'll be the guy that wants to know what's next... He's been with us for five years now." Community turns out to help Thursday's fundraiser drew supporters from across Estacada, many of whom said helping Koch was an easy decision. "The Estacada community is not a stranger to supporting those that are in it," Aalto said. "This is just one of those ways where they can come together, support someone that they have really identified as somebody that's worthy of that support. Again, not just being the Marine, but being that firefighter and so on that has done so much for this community. This is their chance to come in and say thank you, and to help him get back on his feet." Kim Ward said supporting Koch was important because of the impact he has had on the community. "I am doing something for our community and for everybody around me," she said. "I want to keep all of the care about family and community so much, and it's just important to support people that do that and volunteering is very important." Ward described Koch as someone who always puts others first. "He's a very sweet man. He's got three great kids, and he is with his family a lot. Family means a lot to him, and our community means a lot to him," she said. Fire family remains by his side For Aalto, the call that Koch had been injured was one he will never forget. "It's always difficult getting calls for people that you know, people that you care a lot about," he said. "When it happened, he was surrounded by other firefighters... The immediate impact is we've got to go to work, there's things to do. And the following impact is how terribly it hurts to see somebody that you care so much for being hurt." Aalto said Koch has been overwhelmed by the support he has received. "I can say that for Mike himself, he's beyond grateful for all of the care the community has given, all of the care that his friends and family have been there for," he said. "This is not something that Mike would go out and seek, that sort of attention. So for him to receive this kind of support is beyond words of gratitude from him."