The Archdale-Trinity community turned out to support injured fire recruit Brandie Lyons at a fundraiser held by Guil-Rand Fire Depatment’s recruit class at the Pizza Inn on Fairfield Road. Firefighters and recruits served as wait staff while community members ate pizza, socialized and, all totaled, raised $1,448.

“The fundraiser went extremely well,” said Capt. Charles Cardwell, Guil-Rand’s training officer. “We were not expecting Brandie to be there, so to say the least it was a pleasant surprise. Her fellow classmates were speechless when they saw her come through the door.”

Cardwell said he and the recruit class had a great time at the June 29 fundraiser.

“We raised $1,448 and had a good time doing it for a great cause,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Brandie Lyons relief fund fundraiser.”

Lyons was injured in an automobile accident June 1 on U.S. 311 between Wall Brothers and Millikan roads. She was airlifted to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and is expected to be discharged today (July 8).

Her two children, ages 1 and 4, were not seriously injured.

To help with the medical bills, the fire department set up a relief fund in her name and her fellow recruits organized the fundraiser.

“The fund will remain open for donations,” Cardwell confirmed. “Depending on how things go with Brandie in the coming weeks, we may be doing another fundraiser of some kind.”

Donations to the relief fund will continue to be accepted at the fire department, 10506 S. Main St., and at CommunityOne Bank, 10108 S. Main St.

Brandie returned to the hospital after the fundraiser.