From left are Jeff Ridge, Ryan Ridge, Colette Ridge, Cameron Ridge, Tim Stephens.

Support came to one Anderson Township firefighter Wednesday, Sept. 14, thanks to the Local 3412 Fire in the Hole Golf Scramble.

Anderson Township Firefighter Jeff Ridge and his family are in the midst of a financial and emotional battle with autism. Their 6-year-old son Cameron was diagnosed with the disorder three years ago. Now they’re struggling to afford his treatment.

“Cameron has done very well with treatment, socially and verbally. But lately we haven’t been able to afford all of his treatments and we’ve seen him regress,” says Cameron’s mom, Colette. “We want to get him back on that path to success.”

For the past three years the Ridge’s have helped raise money for other autistic children in greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky through Generation Rescue, an organization dedicated to the recovery of children with autism. Now it was their turn to receive support.

The Ridge’s insurance does not cover Cameron’s medical costs, which includes holistic supplements to help combat the core issues of autism.

Jeff and Colette both work full-time jobs to be able to provide Cameron’s treatment and support their younger son, Ryan.

The Fire in the Hole Golf Scramble, created by Union Township Professional Firefighter Association Local 3412, raises money for its Firefighter Benefit Fund. The Fund helps local Cincinnati firefighters and their families who need support during times of crisis every year.

Local 3412 board members heard of Cameron’s hardships and wanted to help, they decided to donate a lump sum of $1,500 to the Ridge family. But the donations didn’t end there.

Local 3412 arranged to give the Ridge family all the proceeds from the Fire in the Hole silent auction that took place at the event on September 14th.

“The Ridge’s story really resonated with us, and we agreed that they should become our main beneficiaries from the Fire in the Hole event,” says Tim Stephens, secretary of Local 3412 and Union Township firefighter.

The Fire in the Hole Golf Scramble was held at Royal Oak Country Club from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sept. 14. Visit www.fireinthehole3412.com for more information.