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Indiana fire chief shares close connection to Crusade

Twenty-two years ago, Chief Jeremy Klein found his family on the receiving end of Crusade donations after spending years collecting for others in need

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Crusade for Children is just a few days away, and for one local fire chief, this time of year is filled with bittersweetness.

For almost three decades now, 29 years to be exact, Chief Jeremy Klein has made crusade a staple of his year and one of the things his family looks forward to participating in. Twenty-two years ago, Klein learned just how important the crusade would become in his life when his infant son got very sick and needed surgery.

"Walking through the hospital, we seen... all this equipment, donated by the Crusade for Children," Klein said as he wiped tears from his eyes.  "Ever since then, it's meant the world to me."

Chief Klein's entire family now participates in crusade every year, his now 22-year-old son William Jacob included.

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