Oakdale Fire Department Plans Benefit After Fatal Accident

The Oakdale Fire Department is coming together to help a local family with strong ties to the department during a tragic time.

The firefighters will host a benefit next month to benefit the Katy Griffith and Justin Paulsen family to assist with both funeral and medical expenses following a fatal accident this week.

Justin is a firefighter and both of Katy's parents are also firefighters. Katy's father, Art Griffith, serves as chief of the Oakdale Fire Department, and her mother, Sheryle, is also a firefighter.

A free-will offering pancake feed will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, from 4-8 p.m. at the Oakdale Community Center. Pancakes, eggs and sausage will be served.

All proceeds will go toward assisting the family after an accident south of Oakdale on Wednesday claimed the life of their 3-year-old son and left Justin Paulsen seriously injured. He remains in Omaha at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

A Go Fund Me page has also been set up to assist the family with medical expenses. There has been an account set up at the Pinnacle Bank in Neligh. The Village of Oakdale and the Stix Bar are taking donations as well.

If you would like to make a donation for the benefit that is planned, please contact a member of the Oakdale Fire Department.