ToledoStrong

05/09/2026

05/04/2026

Today is International Firefighters’ Day 🚒

It’s about honoring the ones who answer the call… no matter the time, no matter the risk, no matter what’s waiting on the other side of that door.

At Toledo Strong, we believe being strong isn’t just about showing up… it’s about never letting the memory fade.

We honor those who serve today.
We remember those who gave everything.
And we stand beside the families, the departments, and the brotherhood that carries it all forward.

Because this isn’t just a job… it’s a calling.
And that calling leaves a mark on a community forever.

So today, take a moment.
A wave, a thank you, a simple show of respect… it goes further than you think.

People helping people. Heroes helping heroes.

🚒

02/22/2026

Update: Back in the ER for the 5th time in a month.

I never imagined I’d be in a position to write something like this, but the last month and a half have been incredibly difficult. Since just after Christmas, I’ve had multiple ER visits and a 10 day hospital stay, and I’m still battling severe nerve pain with no clear answers yet. I’ve been unable to work and have exhausted my savings trying to keep things afloat.

The hardest part isn’t being sick — it’s the fear of not being able to provide stability for my kids and keep our home running while I recover.

Many of you know I’m usually the one trying to help others through Toledo Strong and within our community. Asking for help doesn’t come naturally to me, but right now I could truly use it.

I created a GoFundMe to help bridge this gap while I focus on healing and getting back on my feet. If you’re able to donate, share, or simply send encouragement, it would mean more than I can put into words.

Thank you for the love, prayers, and support so many of you have already shown.

A friend suggested I include my Venmo or Cash app as a way to avoid the GoFundMe fees so here they are.

Cashapp $larrycready
Venmo -cready

❤️ Link to donate/share:

Just a few days after Christmas, my life took an unexpected and difficult tur… Larry Cready needs your support for Fighting to Recover and Provide for My Kids

01/27/2026

Twelve years ago, my kids were little.
They didn’t fully understand why they were standing there that day, but they understood respect. That photo of them honoring Steve Machcinski became something bigger than we ever imagined. It found its way onto a firehouse wall and into the hearts of a city.

Today, they stood in front of that same photo again. Older. Taller. Quieter. And somehow, the moment felt even heavier. Not sad… just real.

What started as a simple idea to say “thank you” has grown into something the entire community carries together year after year. And I can’t say this enough: thank you.

Thank you to every restaurant that answers the call.
Thank you to every volunteer who shows up without needing recognition.
Thank you to the firefighters, therapy dogs, and families who welcome us in every January.
And thank you to this city for never letting us forget why January 26 matters.

If you helped deliver today or were part of it in any way, please share your photos below and tag the businesses who stepped up. They deserve the love.

Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it. ❤️

01/26/2026

Lunch update 🍽️🔥

A huge thank you to Focaccia’s Downtown Toledo for their continued support year after year, providing lunch for the Toledo Fire Maintenance Shop. As always, the crew was incredibly appreciative and loved the food.

This day — January 26 — is never just another date. It’s a day we pause, remember, and honor Jamie and Steve, whose sacrifice in 2014 is the very reason Toledo Strong continues this tradition year after year.

We will never forget. ❤️🚒

01/26/2026

We remember and honor the following firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty on January 26. We also recognize their sacrifice and that of their families. Search for the Roll of Honor profiles of these firefighters on our website.

01/26/2026

❤️❤️THANK YOU, TOLEDO STRONG FAMILY 🚒❄️

Despite a heavy snowstorm and challenging road conditions, so many of you still chose to show up this morning and deliver Donuts & appreciation to our area fire stations.

Braving the elements isn’t easy, and it certainly isn’t expected — but it speaks volumes about the hearts behind this community. Every box carried through the snow, every safe drive, every smile exchanged reminded us why this mission continues to grow.

Done in memory of Jamie Dickman, Steve Machcinski, Butch Rahe and every other firefighter taken from us before their time.

To everyone who participated this morning: we appreciate every single one of you more than words can say. Your support means the world to our firefighters and to Toledo Strong.

Please enjoy the photos below — moments like these are what it’s all about. ❤️🍩🚒

Add your pictures in the comments.

01/26/2026

🚨 Weather Update – Please Read ❄️

With the heavy snow and Toledo currently under a Level 2, the most important thing right now is everyone’s safety.

For those planning to do Donuts this morning for our fire stations 🍩❤️
➡️ Please take your time
➡️ Travel only if you feel safe
➡️ If you need to reschedule, that is 100% okay

We’re hopeful conditions will improve in time for Dinners tonight, but if you’re unsure about travel or timing, please reach out so we can coordinate or adjust as needed.

No pressure. No expectations. Just appreciation.
Thank you for supporting our first responders and for looking out for one another. Stay safe out there, Toledo. 🤍❄️🚒❤️