Warren and Becky Collins.

By Michael Mashburn From Daily Voice

A Long Island firefighter who recently lost his wife to cancer is now facing his own battle with brain tumors, sparking a wave of support from colleagues, friends, and neighbors.

First Lieutenant Warren Collins, a longtime member of the Washington Engine Co. #2 of the Riverhead Fire Department, recently underwent major surgery and is now facing intensive treatments and a long road to recovery, according to a GoFundMe launched by fellow firefighter Jordan Palmer, the company’s second lieutenant.

In the fundraiser, Palmer said Collins has been “the steady, uplifting heart” of the company for years, consistently putting others first.

“Firefighting has always been at the forefront of Warren’s life, and he has served his community with unmatched dedication and strength,” Palmer wrote. “Now it is our turn to serve him.”

Palmer said Collins’ recovery is complicated by the physical, emotional, and financial strain the illness has placed on him and his family. The fundraiser notes that Collins faces ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation, loss of income during recovery, and day-to-day expenses.

“As a fire department, we consider Warren not just a lieutenant and colleague but a brother,” Palmer said. “We have all stood shoulder to shoulder with him at countless emergencies…and we continue to stand with him now.”

As of Saturday, Nov. 29, the campaign had raised more than $7,375.

Back-to-Back Heartbreak

Friends say the diagnosis comes at an especially difficult time for Collins’ family.

Dawn Ohlric shared the fundraiser on Facebook, writing that the couple’s 14-year-old daughter has endured heartbreak no child should face.

“This is Becky and Warren,” Ohlric wrote. “We lost Becky to breast cancer a year and a half ago. Now her husband is battling brain cancer again. They have a 14-year-old daughter who should not have to be dealing with these things. Any amount would help.”

How to Help

All donations will go directly to Collins and his family so he can focus fully on healing, Palmer said. Those interested in supporting the family can donate via GoFundMe.