Upcoming Raffle to Support Firefighter, Family Injured in Gas Explosion

November 22, 2025 by Staff Report

Following a gas explosion and fire that injured Hambden Township firefighter Timothy Tobin and his family Nov. 21, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping first responders is responding with a $100,000 commitment to the family.

Ralph Spidalieri, Geauga County commissioner and vice president of Blue Line Unlimited, held a press conference with Hambden Township Fire Chief Scott Hildenbrand Nov. 22 to announce an upcoming vehicle raffle — the proceeds of which will go toward Tobin and his family’s recovery.

“When a call like this comes in, this is when we respond with the funds,” Spidalieri said.

At about 2:40 p.m. Friday, Tobin, who was at his home at 15260 Hart Road in Montville Township with his two daughters, was working on the furnace in the basement and on the stove on the first floor when the explosion occurred, Montville Fire Chief Ron Jonovich said that evening.

Tobin was transported with serious injuries to Metrohealth Medical Center in Cleveland, as was his daughter, Savannah. His second daughter was examined by medics and chose to stay at the scene. Two family dogs perished in the explosion.

Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Briskey said the house appeared to be “totaled.”

“The captain is in the hospital, obviously, he’s in intensive care,” Hildenbrand said Saturday. “He’s in critical condition, but stable. Our people have been going down there and visiting with him as much as they can. There’s been somebody with him the entire time. It’s a horrible event to happen.”

Tobin’s daughter is still in the hospital, as well, the chief said, adding she is doing better.

“Fortunately, nobody lost their lives. They did have two dogs that perished in this explosion, it was so fast,” Hildenbrand said. “But, we are going to be there and I know the community and the people are going to be there to help him.”

Blue Line Unlimited bought the 2025 Ford Bronco from Preston Auto Group at a discounted price for the raffle, Spidalieri said, adding they started selling tickets less than a month ago and have already collected $30,000.

“We have 2,500 tickets total,” he said, noting $100 equals four entries.

People can go to bluelineunlimited.com to purchase tickets or get them in person at the Hambden Township Fire Department or Great Lakes Outdoor Supply stores in Middlefield and Chester Township, Spidalieri said.

“We are going to have the vehicle here (at the fire department) for some time now so people can see it,” he said. “You can take the vehicle or take $30,000 in cash.”

Spidalieri expressed gratitude to those who have purchased tickets already and thanked the press for getting the word out.

“I can tell you, there is no better feeling than when you know you can impact a family in their time of need and take weight off their shoulders. Especially at a time like this,” he said. “We got Thanksgiving next week. We’re all going to be with our families and you think about this family potentially that’s going to still be in the hospital and still be facing the challenges of no home, no vehicles. So, just knowing that, alone, can (bring) such a peace and warmth in (our) hearts and everybody else that comes in from the community.

“I just feel humbled and privileged to be able to give back to our community and to our first responders,” he added.

Hildenbrand echoed Spidaleri’s gratitude, sharing a few words about Tobin.

“This is a guy who has spent over 25 years helping other people when they needed help. Now it’s our time to help him when he needs it,” he said. “He’s going to need a new house. His only vehicle was damaged from the fire and from the explosion. It’s going to be a long road for him.

“This is a guy that has been dedicated to the community and I know that we live in a great community and a great county,” the chief continued. “This county and this community will support him at his time in need. We want to try to avoid any other GoFundMe accounts. People are asking how to help. This is how you’re going to be able to help. This is what’s going to help him and his family.

“I really appreciate, we all appreciate the support that we get,” he added. “We don’t usually ask for support. We’re usually there to support you, but in this instance, this family is in need of some help and I know that they would appreciate any help that they can get.”