GoFundMe raises nearly $50,000 for Walter ‘Wally’ Shaw, ‘selfless’ firefighter injured during set up for North Andover fireworks show

A GoFundMe has raised nearly $50,000 as of Thursday afternoon for a firefighter injured during the set up for the North Andover fireworks show.

Walter “Wally” Shaw, who was identified by the North Andover fire department, was seriously injured while setting up a professional firework display in North Andover, the department said. He had been working as a federally certified pyrotechnician when an inadvertent ignition occurred.

Since then, Shaw has had to undergo multiple surgeries, the GoFundMe states, and he’s been unable to work any of his four jobs.

“Wally is an incredibly hard-worker, family-oriented, selfless and kind,” the GoFundMe reads. “Wally is also an adventure seeker, a cat lover, and an old soul.”

It states that he works full-time at the Groton Fire Department. He also works at the Harvard Fire Department, helps at his parents’ shop, Toreku Tractor & Equipment Inc, and as a federally certified pyrotechnician for Atlas.

The GoFundMe, which is organized by James Crocker, stated it wasn’t sure how long it’d be until Shaw was back at work but that he’d like to “ease any stress.”

“We are still unsure of all of the obstacles Wally will face, but we would like to ease any stress for a guy who would help anyone in need, without question at a moment’s notice,” it states. “All donations will directly support Wally’s recovery.”

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