(Quoted from the "Bring Jose Home" page on the Sugar Hill Fire Department web site)

In May of 2005 Jose began serving his country by reporting for active duty in Ramadi, Iraq. On March 1, 2006 SSG Pequeno was seriously injured in a roadside bombing in Ramadi. He was treated at the scene and airlifted to Germany. Once stabilized, he was transported to Bethesda Naval Hospital and is currently hospitalized at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC. SSG Pequeno is in a non-induced coma with a serious head injury. His wife Kelley is constantly at his side along with his mother Nelida and sister Elizabeth. Friends of the family from Lisbon are caring for their children.

The community of Sugar Hill is committed to assist the family of Chief Pequeno in any way possible. Many fundraisers have been held for the family to assist with personal finances. On April 8th the community came together and in one evening raised over $25,000. These funds are being put towards a new project titled “Bring Jose Home”. Link to the "Bring Jose Home Project".

It is Kelley’s desire to be able to have an accessible home for Jose to return to. Their small home in Lisbon was unable to be renovated and it was determined that a new home would be necessary. Sugar Hill Fire Chief Allan Clark is spearheading the “Bring Jose Home Project”. To date many donations have been received and the account now sits at over $30,000 with more fundraising being planned.

The New Hampshire Police Chief’s Association has agreed to partially furnish the new home. Additionally the site work, foundation, electrical work, well and septic system have been donated. It is anticipated that all needed sub-contractors will donate their services. The Pequeno’s existing home will be made ready for resale and it is hoped that the sale of the existing home will clear their mortgage on the property.

Anyone wishing to suport the “Bring Jose Home Project” may do so through the tax deductible North Country Public Safety Officers Benevolent Foundation by sending checks to the “Bring Home Jose Project” c/o the Town of Sugar Hill, P.O. Box 574, Sugar Hill, NH 03586.

Read a Washington Post article titled "Blog Brings Injured Guardsman's Home Town to His Bedside", here.