Helping out is nothing new to volunteer firefighters; whether it's rescuing people from burning buildings or putting out the flames of wildfires, they always answer the call. And when one of their own needs financial assistance, they are quick to step up, as evidenced by some local fire departments who are rallying around Leonard Lundby, who has dedicated his life to helping people.

Lundby, the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department chief, remains hospitalized due to complications from the H1N1 flu virus. To help him with medical expenses, several local fire departments are banding together to host a benefit fundraiser on Saturday in Vaughn.

His brother Don noted, "They just moved him to the rehab floor so he's starting to build his muscle strength back up."

Leonard was in intensive care for four weeks. His kidneys shut down, forcing him to be on dialysis.  He no longer needs a respirator to breathe, but his medical bills are piling up.  Self- employed, insurance for this husband and father of three only covers one-third of the cost.

In firefighting circles, Leonard is known as the guy who can get things done.  He wrote a grant for a $450,000 burn trailer that benefits about 30 departments in three counties.

Don said, "Leonard has done so much for volunteer fire departments statewide.  Literally from Hamilton to Wolf Point, he has had a major effect on the volunteer organization."

So volunteer firefighters got together and brought in over 100 live and silent auction items, including a 1999 Chevy S-10.

Brother Don explained, "The Vaughn Fire Department decided to do this fundraiser because Leonard has been such an influence that they wanted to do something to give back to Leonard."

Other departments helping out include Simms, Ulm, Sand Coulee and Black Eagle.

The benefit features a spaghetti dinner, live and silent auctions, and music and dancing. It starts at 4:00 p.m. at the Vaughn Fire Department, and tickets are $5 per person or $20 per family.

- Tim McGonigal reporting for KRTV