Firefighter critically injured while traveling to Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs

A firefighter was traveling to the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs when he was critically injured in a motorcycle crash Friday night.

Mike Degering is an Abilene, Texas firefighter. He was involved in the crash just outside of Gunnison, Colorado.

Degering was airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction and placed in intensive care unit.

Degering is married and has three kids. His friends said he will need extensive, around the clock care while he recovers 850 miles away from his family.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help pay for medical bills by his friends of Smoke and Iron Firefighters motorcycle club.