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Cancer-stricken firefighter’s absence felt at station

Firefighter Matt Logsdon was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in his liver, lungs and bone in a state that doesn’t consider cancer job-related

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Firefighters’ hearts remain heavy after a colleague was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer last week.

WTVQ reported that firefighter Matt Logsdon, a 10-year veteran with the Lexington (Ky.) Fire Department, was diagnosed with cancer in his liver, lungs and bone. Logsdon had no idea he was sick until his fellow firefighters mentioned he looked ill.

Capt. Dustin Whited said Logsdon’s absence is felt by everyone.

“When we’re on duty, we’re constantly thinking about him,” Capt. Whited said. “We’re getting a lot of support. Everybody wants updates and wants to know how he’s doing, what’s going on.”

Kentucky laws don’t currently recognize cancer as a line of duty injury. Senate Bill 138 could change that in the future, but right now firefighters are left paying the price.

A GoFundMe page has raised almost $30,000 for Logsdon and his family to help pay for medical bills.