On Saturday afternoon, May 2, the Loyal community came together in a big way to support one of their own, the Ty Gardner family.
Ty Gardner, a veteran and Loyal volunteer firefighter, was injured in the line of duty on March 26, 2026. After battling the Hitchcock fire, Gardner was en route to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation when he suffered a massive heart attack.
Recently released from the hospital, Gardner is now working toward getting back to a normal routine. And in true small-town fashion, the community showed up to help lighten the load.
Friends, neighbors, and supporters from across the area gathered at the Loyal Lions Community Building for a fundraising dinner in his honor.
Gardner insisted on being part of the effort. “If we’re going to do this, I’m going to do the cooking,” he said.
And he meant it.
Gardner took to the grill, serving up pulled pork, hamburgers, and hot dogs to the crowd that came out to support him and his family.
It was more than just a meal, it was a reminder of what community looks like when it matters most.
Photos by AAN Jack Quirk
