Recently, many of Brownwood Fire Department’s men have shaved their heads in support of their fellow firefighter Jake Landess who was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia; however, Fire Chief Del Albright (pictured left) has yet to shave and has made a promise to shave his head if he can raise $500.  This promise has since been met with another fundraising challenge that has the possibility to turn that $500 into at least $1250 for Landess.

In a recent email to friends, Albright joked and stated, “I have not shaved my head yet, mostly because I look very handsome with my hair. But, if I can raise $500.00 I told them I would shave my head for Jake. If you can help with this endeavor please contact me to donate.”

This offer has been taken up and challenged by friends and city leaders.

City of Brownwood Finance Director Walter Middleton has teamed up with City Attorney Pat Chesser to match that amount if Albright raises the $500 by donating $250 each.

In a series of emails Tuesday Middleton and Chesser have also volunteered to help shave Chief Albright’s head.  Ross Bradley with Guardian EMS has also joined in the challenge by pledging another $250 if Albright raises $500.

Chief Albright stated that he wasn’t present when the firefighters shaved their heads last Saturday or early Monday morning and has received quite a bit of “ribbing” since then to shave his head so he decided to make it interesting.

“I figured it would get everyone after me about shaving when I wasn’t there,” said Albright.  “I decided to make it more of a fun PR thing.”  He joked that he reconsidered and thought he would still be handsome with either haircut and he was willing to do it for Jake.

Landess will continue a lengthy treatment and Albright stated that this is why the firefighters joined together to do so much fundraising.

“What everyone doesn’t realize is that treatment is expensive and he has such a lengthy treatment that he will be out so long that everything from the city will be used up,” Albright said.  “He will have used up all his vacation and sick days, his leave clearance will be exhausted and he won’t have that income from the city.  We wanted to help relieve that stress and help him with funds for his month-to-month living expenses.”

Although he will run out of paid days off, Albright confirmed that Landess will continue to have a job waiting for him.

“His job is safe, it’s just the leave credit that will run out,” he said.

Those wishing to donate to Chief Albright (please mention “Chief’s haircut” on donation) can drop donations off at Brownwood Fire Stations at the following locations:

Station 1:  809 Main Street, 325-646-6743
Station 2:  1511 Indian Creek Road, 325-646-5012

Cheif Albright stated that he doesn’t want to draw the challenge out too long and hopes to schedule his shave on Monday or Tuesday of next week (July 1st or 2nd).

An account is also being set up at TexasBank in Brownwood benefiting Jake Landess.