ROCKPORT — A 28-year member of the Rockport Fire Department, Lt. David Leighton, has been facing a medical challenge the past several months, and his colleagues on the fire department continue to raise funds for him, and to help his family.

Leighton is battling colorectal cancer, has undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatments since his diagnosis. He recently underwent successful surgery at Maine Medical Center. He is now recovering at home for about four months before he is able to return to work.

Through all of this, there has been an outpouring of support from Leighton’s fellow firefighters and the community as a way to thank him for all that he has given to the town.

Leighton is a quiet and modest man, reluctant to be in the spotlight. But earlier this fall, more than 300 people turned out at a benefit supper and auction to show Leighton how much they care. Firefighters from Camden, Rockland, Lincolnville, Hope, Thomaston and Warren also attended that fundraiser, where businesses and individuals donated food for the dinner and bake sale, and unique silent and live auction items. One of the top prizes was a week-long stay at a deluxe camp on Moosehead Lake.

At the dinner, he was joined by his wife, Lisa, and children, Tyler and Samantha, who are also Rockport firefighters.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Leighton told the crowd.

“The guys really miss him,” said Rockport Fire Chief Jason Peasley. “It is like breaking up a family when one of us isn’t here.”

Firefighters Phil Brown said that “Leighton is a key part of the department and one of our brothers who is in need.”

Leighton’s father, Gary, also served at an assistant and deputy chief with the department from 1982-1990.

Donations are still being accepted and the money raised so far is helping the family during the months while Leighton is out of work and with accumulating medical expenses from treatments and surgery.

As he was serving spaghetti at the dinner, John Wickenden, Assistant Fire Chief, summarized it all, “It is great to see the beauty of living in this community when everyone is pulling together.”

Anyone who is still interested in making a donation can drop off a check or cash at the fire station, adjacent to the town office, or by mail to the Rockport Fire Department, PO Box 142, Rockport, ME 04856. Checks must be made out to David Leighton. Peasley can be reached at the Rockport Fire Department at 236-4437 or email at firechief@town.rockport.me.us.

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com