8-year-old cancer survivor serves as honorary firefighter

Satellite Beach boy works his first shift

SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. – An 8-year-old cancer survivor worked his first shift as an honorary firefighter with the Satellite Beach Fire Department Sunday morning.

The day started early for Ricky Marler. He showed up to his 8 a.m. shift hours before his start time.

His first job was to inspect the firetruck and make sure all the equipment worked.

Ricky may be the smallest member of the department, but he was not afraid to do some heavy lifting.



"We're glad to be part of this little boy's life," Eric Tippins, with the Satellite Beach Fire Department, said.

Ricky has faced some tough obstacles for someone so young. A year ago, he was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. The cancer spread from his neck all the way down to his kidneys.

Ricky went into a coma for two weeks. His family started preparing for the worst, and that's when his health turned around.

Ricky has been cancer-free since November.

The 8-year-old is now riding shotgun inside a firetruck and living out his dream.

"I'm ready to fight a fire," Ricky said.
"To be able to see this kid now make this day come true for him puts a smile on my face and everybody else who is a part of this," Tippins said.

Ricky's first call was to a house fire, but it was too cold, so he directed the team from the front seat.

"He's taking my job. He's doing a great job, too!" one firefighter said.
Ricky wore his own gear and went to work. He helped firefighters roll up the hose.

"He's doing a great job! Big help!" they said.

He's now officially a member of this special brotherhood.

"We're a big part of a family, and we're happy to have him be part of our family," Jared Rocque, with SBFD, said.

He's not only learning how to be a firefighter, but also teaching a lesson.

"Sometimes we get upset over little things, but when i comes down to it, it's a very small thing compared to what others go through in life," John Duba with SBFD said.

Ricky is proving that courage and bravery can come in all sizes.

"That smile right there, that says it all!" Tippins said.

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