A 9-year-old fourth grader at Kernsville Elementary School in the Parkland School District desperately needs help.

Toseef Mughal, son of Allentown Fire Police Lt. Shoukat Mughal, nearly died of sepsis in February.

He was MedEvac'd to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with a high fever, heart rate of more than 230 and several of his organs were shutting down.

Toseef has hadat least four operations resulting in the amputation of some fingers on both his hands and half of each foot.

Because of all the time Lt. Mughal spent with his son at the hospital, he recently lost his job and also his medical insurance.

He has been a volunteer with the Allentown Fire Police for the past eight years with more than 100-plus hours a year of donated time.

Lt. Mughal, originally from Kasmir Pakistan, is also a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, having served with the 82nd Airborne Division.

To help this family pay the mounting medical bills in the excess of $500,000 and to meet daily living expenses, Allentown Fire Police are holding a Firefighter and Fire Police Benefit Rally from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 22, at the Allentown Fairgrounds.

Firefighters and fire police from throughout Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Bucks and Carbon counties are invited to compete in several challenges, with awards being issued in the events.

Several car clubs have also offered to display their cars.

Children's rides, live bands and food vendors will also be featured at the event.

For more information, contact Candy Dannenhower, Allentown Fire Police, at 610- 437-3943 or email CuddlyBear090@ aol.com.