Here's an excerpt from an article on myFoxChicago.com: Firefighters risk their lives every day to protect others, but one Kankakee firefighter, Derek Hogg, is now facing a battle of his own. After being diagnosed with ALS — a progressive and incurable neuromuscular disease — he’s found himself without support from the city he once served. Hogg, 31, has been a firefighter since 2008, fulfilling a childhood dream that began when he was just two or three years old, watching fire trucks pass by and dreaming of one day being part of that team. But in May 2012, he started experiencing muscle twitches — something he initially ignored. As the symptoms worsened, he sought medical help and received a devastating diagnosis: ALS. Doctors told him he had only three to five years left, but Hogg refused to give up. He returned to work, driven by his passion for the job and the need to support his growing family, which includes two young sons with his wife Holly. By 2013, the disease had progressed so much that Hogg could no longer perform his duties as a firefighter. He was moved to desk duty, but that position also has a time limit. With the deadline approaching, Hogg faced the possibility of losing his job and, more importantly, his chance at a disability pension that would provide financial security for his family after he passes away. His fellow firefighters stepped in, offering to cover his shifts and donate their vacation and sick days to keep him on payroll until June 1 — a crucial date that would allow him to qualify for a $3,200 monthly pension. The idea seemed simple and cost-effective, with no loss to the city. “It was a huge relief,†Hogg said. “With a young family, I didn’t know what I was going to do.†The plan was approved by the firefighters’ union, and Hogg met with Mayor Nina Epstein. She initially seemed open to the idea, provided the legal team gave it the green light. But a month later, she changed her mind, informing Hogg that the city wouldn’t allow other firefighters to work in his place. “I can’t look at this situation as a political decision,†she told FOX 32. “I have to follow the law and think about the taxpayers.†At a recent City Council meeting, Hogg and his family spoke directly to the mayor, pleading for compassion. “I’m asking you not to see this as a politician, but as a human being with morals and empathy,†he said. “Will you let my brothers and sisters help me?†The mayor responded that she wouldn’t discuss the matter publicly and wouldn’t reverse her decision. This means Hogg will soon lose his job and the pension that could have supported his family. His wife, Holly, expressed frustration, saying, “They have the chance to make things better, but they’re choosing not to help us.†There are precedents — like in Pittsburgh, where firefighters helped a colleague with ALS. But in Kankakee, the mayor insists she can’t make exceptions. “I have 300 employees. Do you think this will be the last difficult situation?†she asked. Thanks Dan Carbon Fiber Auto Body Enhancements,Lightweight Racing Car Parts,Automotive Carbon Fiber Body Panels, Carbon Fiber Mirror Housing Inamori Technology (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. , https://www.carbonfibrefactory.com