Firefighters rally around fellow firefighter who is battling cancer

The local firefighting community is rallying around one Rensselaer firefighter who is battling cancer. They held a fundraiser at the Polish American Citizens Club.

Several people from the community came Saturday night. Those in attendance were there to support Ryan Hannigan. He is a 10-year-veteran of the Rensselaer Fire Department.

Hannigan is 38-years old. He is a father to two young children. In March of 2016, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He was able to beat it, but the cancer returned in the form of seminoma. He hasn’t been able to work since October. The fire department held an Italian buffet dinner.

There was live music and raffles. All the proceed raised will go to help Hannigan with his medical expenses.

William Brooking Jr. is the Fire Chief for the city of Rensselaer. He says he knew Hannigan when he first joined the department.
He says he has surgery next month and then will have four to six months for recovery. So, he says it’s important for everyone to support Hannigan.

The fire department is also selling t-shirts that you can purchase.

For more information, you can contact the Rensselaer Fire Department at (518) 465-3259.