The following is from an article at myFoxChicago.com: Firefighters risk their lives every day to protect others, but one Kankakee firefighter battling a deadly illness says he’s getting no support from City Hall during his time of need. Derek Hogg, a 31-year-old firefighter who joined the department in 2008, once dreamed of being part of the fire department after watching parades as a child. That dream became a reality—until his body started failing him. In May 2012, Hogg began experiencing muscle twitches, which he initially ignored. But as the symptoms worsened, he sought medical help and received a devastating diagnosis: ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. There is no cure for this progressive condition, and doctors told him he had only three to five years to live. Despite this, Hogg returned to work because he loved his job and needed the income to support his family, which includes two young sons with his wife, Holly. By 2013, the disease had advanced so much that Hogg could no longer perform his duties as a firefighter. He was placed on desk duty, but that position had a time limit that would soon expire, leaving him without a job. In response, his fellow firefighters stepped in, offering to cover his shifts and donate their vacation and sick days to keep him on the payroll until June 1—a crucial date that would allow him to qualify for a disability pension of $3,200 per month. This pension would provide financial support for his family even after he passed away. Hogg said the plan seemed simple and cost the city nothing. “It was a huge relief,” he said. “With two young kids, I didn’t know what I was going to do.” After the firefighters’ union approved the idea, Hogg met with Mayor Nina Epstein, who initially seemed supportive, as long as the legal team signed off. But a month later, she changed her mind, telling him the city wouldn’t allow other firefighters to work in his place. Epstein told FOX 32, “I can’t accommodate his request. This is a tough situation, but I have to think about the taxpayers and follow the law.” On Monday, Hogg, his family, and supporters attended a City Council meeting to plead directly with the mayor. “I’m asking you not to look at this as a politician, but as a human being with morals and compassion,” Hogg said. “Will you let my brothers and sisters help me?” The mayor refused to change her decision, saying she couldn’t discuss it publicly or reverse her choice. As a result, Hogg will soon lose his job and the chance at the pension that could have supported his family. “I feel like they have the opportunity to make things better for us, but they’re choosing not to help,” said Holly, Hogg’s wife. “Our fate is in the mayor’s hands, and I don’t feel like she’s doing enough.” There are precedents for such support—like in Pittsburgh, where firefighters helped a colleague with ALS. But in Kankakee, the mayor insists she can’t make exceptions, saying, “I have 300 employees. Do you think this will be the last difficult situation?” Thanks, Dan.

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