Local “Choir Boy” “Buck” Buchanan, right, presents $1,100.00 to Battalion Chief Jay Follinghim, center left, of the Prescott Fire Department to help Firefighter Jeff Moffitt’s wife. Kristi Moffitt was recently diagnosed as having Myocarditis and will have to undergo a heart transplant. Also pictured are Phoenix Region I Choir Boys Eric Reed, left, and Andy Baxter, center right.

Kristi Moffitt, wife of 8-year veteran Prescott Firefighter Jeff Moffitt has been at Mayo Clinic to receive two “heart assist” pumps implanted while she and her husband, Jeff, and four small children anxiously wait for a heart transplant. Kristi contracted a sore throat that turned in to a fairly rare heart problem known as Myocarditis, which damages the heart muscle.

The Arizona Choir Boys, learning of this, wanted to help but the treasury funds are restricted to the survivors of slain peace officers or to help officers who have been seriously injured in the discharge of their responsibilities and do not allow for fund disbursement for other concerns such as this.

Buchanan stated, “The guys were really frustrated because they really wanted to help a public safety employee and family who also had four small children, but couldn’t under the guidelines. They knew that the financial pressures and caring for the kids was going to be really tough.” They looked at each other and said, “Okay, what have you got in your pockets. They all dug deep and came up with personal funds of a grand, and it was done. I am extremely honored and pleased to have the Phoenix Region I members and other help out like this and join Jeff’s co-workers who are donating time to cover his shifts so his paycheck will not be interrupted. All these folks have been absolutely awesome!”

There is a “Change of Heart” poker run scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2009 to help Kristi and the family. This will start at the Prescott Fire Department, Station 71. 333 White Spar Rd. with registration from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. and an entry fee of $20.00. Organizers plan on live music, drink specials, food, raffles and a 50/50 drawing. Anything with wheels on it is welcome.