ND Firefighters Convention in Valley City; John O'Leary Story is Incredible

Posted By: Steve Urness
June 1, 2018 @ 7:33 am
News

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Hundreds of firefighters and their families from around the state are in Valley City for the annual Firefighters Convention.

Valley City Fire Chief Gary Retterath said the presentation by John O’Leary was so incredible that may people were moved to tears. O’Leary is the author of “On Fire.” The book centers on O’Leary’s story of a 1987 fire and the painful recovery he went through after his body was burned.

O’Leary told the audience that he had a number of people who supported him during his long recovery. One of those was the legendary sportscaster Jack Buck. OLeary said he remain nearly motionless in a St. Louis hospital for 5 months and had lost his eye site for 2 months. During that time Jack Buck visited him and encouraged him nearly everyday for five months before he returned home for more recovery.

O’Leary has no fingers following the fire in 1987. His piano teacher volunteered to teach with him how to play the piano again over a 4 year period.

On June, 1st O’Leary talked about his story and played the piano for about 800 people who attended his presentation at the Hi Liner Activity Center in Valley City.

John O’Leary playing the piano without fingers for the audience in Valley City.

John O’Leary addresses several firefighters in Valley City for the annual state convention along with a number of other people on June 1st. Photo by Tim Ost.

Meanwhile, with all these firefighters in Valley City a parade of their vehicles will be held on Friday, June 1st at 5pm down Central Avenue. The public is encouraged to line up on Central Avenue and enjoy the parade.