'World News Tonight' names Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern 'Person of the Week'

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Saturday, April 4, 2015
'World News Tonight' names Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern 'Person of the Week'
Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern was injured while battling a fire at a home over the weekend. ABC's "World News Tonight With David Muir" named Dern the "Person of the Week."

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern was injured while battling a fire at a home over the weekend. ABC's "World News Tonight With David Muir" named Dern the "Person of the Week."

Dern fell through the roof of a burning garage in Central Fresno on Sunday. He remains in critical condition and is scheduled to undergo another surgery on Monday.

Meanwhile, support for Dern continues to grow nationwide. Several Valley blood drives were organized this week to help the 25-year Fresno Fire veteran during his long road to recovery. The Central California Blood Center says more than 400 people came in to donate this week.

And the online fundraising site YouCaring.com now has more than $90,000 in promised donations.

Dern suffered burns to about 70 percent of his body while fighting that blaze. Doctors say a biopsy of his healthy skin will be used to help grow new skin.