Quincy native, now an amputee firefighter in Texas, signing copies of his children’s book Tuesday

QUINCY — Quincy native Gary Weiland will be signing copies of his children’s books, “Fischer’s Accident” and “Fischer Finds a Friend,” at Codex Books, 3734 Broadway, from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 31. Copies will be available for purchase.

Weiland released his first book, “Fischer’s Accident,” earlier this year. He released his second book, “Fischer Finds a Friend,” a few months later. Part of a five-book series, these books tell the story of a firefighter who has an accident at work, must have his leg amputated and ultimately becomes an amputee firefighter. 

These stories are designed to teach children that no matter what happens in life, you can never give up. You have to keep moving forward. They also teach about fire safety, how to act during emergencies and many other life lessons. 

Weiland now lives in Ponder, Texas, but grew up in Quincy. He is a 1997 graduate of Quincy High School and earned his bachelor’s degree at Western Illinois University. Weiland became a firefighter in 2011, became an amputee in 2018 and returned to full duty firefighting in 2019. Weiland went on to become a member of the USA Sitting Volleyball High Performance Team, as well as a member of the USA ParaBeach Volleyball Team. He also competed on “American Ninja Warrior” this year, which will be aired in June 2022. 

For more information on the author’s works, visit his website at www.GaryWeiland.com.