В Макгрегоре пройдет благотворительный концерт в поддержку бывшего начальника пожарной охраны Джеймса Кэрра, борющегося с раком мозга

The McGregor community is preparing to stand beside one of its most dedicated heroes. On Saturday, Oct. 10, from 12-4 p.m., the McGregor Community Center will host a special benefit for former James Carr, who is currently battling an aggressive brain cancer diagnosis. From a young age, Carr desired to become a firefighter. On Dec. 1, 1986, his dream became a reality when he joined the McGregor Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. What followed was nearly four decades of service to his neighbors during some of the most frightening, painful and uncertain moments of their lives. Carr has served as a firefighter, assistant fire chief and for the past 25 years, as McGregor’s Fire Chief. Carr’s years with the fire department also helped shape its future. Extensive planning went into developing the concept for a new McGregor Fire Hall. One of the pinnacles of Carr’s tenure was helping guide the process of completing the new fire hall project from inception to fruition Carr is much more than a firefighter—he is a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He and his wife, Michelle, have shared 36 years of marriage and have four children and nine grandchildren who adore their “Papi.” THE DIAGNOSIS Diagnosed with an aggressive and inoperable glioblastoma brain tumor in November 2025, Carr has undergone radiation and chemotherapy and continues treatment after stepping away from the fire service he dedicated much of his life to, including 25 years as chief. Following his diagnosis for which there is currently no known cure, Carr made the decision to step down from the position he loved so he could focus on his health. Treatment of glioblastoma typically focuses on slowing the growth of the tumor, managing symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life. Because mounting medical expenses and lost income have created a significant financial burden for the family’s primary provider, loved ones launched a GoFundMe. Friends and community members are now rallying behind the man who spent a lifetime answering emergency calls, hoping to ease the burden on the Carrs, as they navigate his cancer journey. CARR’S COMMUNITY IMPACT The community Carr has faithfully served for nearly four decades is standing with him every step of the way. The deep respect for him in McGregor is best reflected in the stories and sentiments shared by those who have worked, grown and served alongside him. “I have known James my entire life. We grew up together in McGregor, went to school together, played sports together and have served on the fire department together for nearly 32 years. He is the most selfless public servant I have ever known. He was nearly always available, always ready and willing to help and gave more of himself than anyone else I have encountered in my 40 years of public safety work. He certainly has made the community better and the fire department better able to respond because of his dedication.” — Scott Turner, McGregor Fire Chief and former Aitkin County Sheriff ”I would like to recognize James Carr for his outstanding service as Fire Chief for McGregor. He played a vital role in the development of our new fire hall, and his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the community were instrumental to its success. I am truly grateful to have been a part of that accomplishment and to have worked alongside him.” — Michelle Brantner, McGregor City Council Member “My siblings and I grew up hanging out with the Carr children. The entire Carr family was/were so good to my family. James was voted onto the fire department after I was, so we have served together on the department all these many years. During my 42 years with the ambulance crew, it was always a comfort to hear that James was on his way to a scene. I have true sadness in my heart when I think about what he is going through.” — Penny Olson “James has given to the town of McGregor as fire chief, going out on calls and seeing things I’d never want to see. He became friends with his Frontier customers who needed assistance and went way above and beyond to help everyone he could help. James always felt it was his personal mission and job to assist as many people as possible.” — longtime friend John Heron ANSWER THE CALL … HELP A LOCAL HERO “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support our family has received,” said a Facebook post from Carr’s family. Community members, friends, neighbors … have donated to the GoFundMe site, contributed prizes, baskets or offered services for the benefit event. “Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can express.” Those interested in making a donation for the benefit, whether it’s a basket, raffle item, service or another contribution, can send a message through https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592569433376. People can also drop off donations at the Rustic Trail in Palisade. Those unable to donate an item but still wanting to help can consider making a contribution to Carr’s GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/e3806c2cd. The Oct. 10 event will feature a community meal and a variety of ways to contribute. Attendees can browse a silent auction, participate in raffles and join in drawings, with all proceeds helping to ease the financial burden of medical expenses and lost income. Whether you come for the food or the fellowship, your presence helps ensure that a man who spent many years protecting McGregor never has to stand alone in his fight. “A firefighter never stands alone—and neither will James.”