On Friday April 21st the St. Louis Fire on Ice Hockey Club took on the DAWGS to kick off Jonny O’s 3-on-3 Affton Bash weekend. The community came together to help an injured Belleville Fire Fighter who was hurt in the line of duty. Mark Bassler was living out his dream career until tragedy struck. After a staircase collapsed while fighting a fire Mark was left unable to continue his job with the department and has faced a long road to recovery. After many surgeries and setbacks his still faces a challenging path forward.
The community came together for him that night. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Ava Miller Gavlen sang a beautiful National Anthem, and Mark dropped the ceremonial puck to kick off the game. He was then presented with a $10,000 check in front of friends and family, along with a special DAWG Nation jersey. Unfortunately for the DAWGS, it wasn’t their night on the ice, but fittingly, his peers on the Fire on Ice team took home the trophy. Mark was joined by his wife and children and was deeply grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support. Before the game, he spoke with both teams, thanked everyone, and wished them well.
Local firefighter, devoted father, and passionate hockey player.
On February 1, 2021, while on a call with the Belleville Fire Department, firefighter Mark Bassler severely injured his back. After multiple surgeries, he endured nearly two years of agonizing pain. Unable to continue his dream career, he had to give up his hockey teams, and most heartbreakingly, he now struggles to play with his two young daughters.
Family Man
This tragedy is truly a family matter, and as we come to know more about the remarkable man Mark is, his sister Mary’s words capture the hardship best: “Mark is an incredible dad to two little girls and a devoted husband to his wife, Jennifer. Unfortunately, his injuries have brought real challenges to his family—challenges that are painful to witness. Unable to work, they’ve been trying to get by on his wife’s teacher salary. He also hasn’t been able to do many of the things most dads take for granted. The pain he lives with makes it hard to move or even sleep. For almost two years, he couldn’t play with his girls like before, help around the house, or lift his youngest daughter, now 3 years old. Imagine not being able to pick up your own child when she asks—truly heartbreaking to see.”
The Bumpy Road Continues
Over the past two years, Mark has endured three surgeries, with the insurance company challenging each one. Between surgeries, he was hospitalized after experiencing chest pains, which turned out to be a pulmonary embolism with over 30 blood clots in his lungs. He came dangerously close to losing his life. These years have been incredibly tough on the Bassler family—physically, emotionally, and financially. Now, Mark and his family are facing overwhelming medical bills and a long road to recovery. Let’s come together to remind this community hero that he’s not alone.
