A Gloversville fire captain and his girlfriend were severely injured over the weekend after being hit while on a motorcycle. Now the department wants to give them the strength to fight for their lives.

“We are brothers to each other and we like to take care of each other,” said Battalion Chief Jason Sweet, “and especially in times of need, we will step up and do what we need to do for each other.”

What You Need To Know


  • Gloversville fire captain and his girlfriend injured in a motorcycle crash, hit by alleged drunk driver

  • Department created social media presence, fundraiser to aid in recovery

  • GoFundMe for couple has, so far, raised more than $40,000

Capt. Brandon Lehr and his girlfriend Rachel Ortega are in critical condition after the Fulton County Sheriff’s office says they were hit by a drunk driver while on a motorcycle at the intersection of Highway 30A and Route 154.

They’re both in intensive care with severe injuries, but their loved ones have been given a glimmer of hope.

“It seems the last couple of days, we were given some better news,” Sweet said. “Looks like they are on the road to recovery.”

That road won’t be a short one. But Sweet says Lehr, a 15-year veteran of the department, is known for his strength.

“He is a go-getter, very fast-acting, very strong, very capable,” Sweet said. “Just a true inspiration for the younger firefighters coming up.”

That courage is displayed on his helmet. Sweet says that will help him power through a tough road ahead.

Just moments before the crash, it’s believed the two stopped to help a driver broken down on the side of the road. Friends say this is typical of them.

So now, the department and community are giving to the people that gave much of themselves to others. So far, the community has raised more than $40,000.

It can help ease the burden of their journey ahead – one the couple won’t be taking on alone.

“Just knowing they have each other, they’re probably wanting to see each other and fighting towards seeing each other,” Sweet said.

The Gloversville Firefighters Association has organized an official Facebook page of support for Lehr and Ortega. There’s also an online store through the site that can be found here. Proceeds will go toward the couple’s recovery.

If you would rather send a check, make it out to the Gloversville Firefighters Association, and send it to P.O. Box 391, Gloversville, NY 12078.

As for the driver involved in the crash, the Fulton County Sheriff's office says Michael Telfer failed a breathalyzer test at the scene, and will likely face DWI and vehicular assault charges if the couple's conditions do not worsen. No charges have yet been filed, pending the crash reconstruction report.