VIDEO: "Firefighters are family. When we heard what happened to Chris, it affected all of us in different ways," said Merrill Fire Department Battalion Chief Steve Hintze. That bond is why the Merrill Fire Department wanted to help their former coworker Chris Marion through a benefit raffle. Marion, who has spent 23 years helping others, isn't used to being on the receiving end. "I guess I'm kind of the patient in this scenario," said Marion. On Sept. 3, a water skiing accident separated Marion's skill from his spine. It's an injury most wouldn't be able to come back from. "It's amazing watching his recovery. Him walking, talking," said Merrill Fire Department Paramedic Corey Nowak. "He's a walking miracle," said Hintze.