The firefighter’s fraternity is a tight one. Due to the many perils of the job, they must rely on each other to remain safe while saving structures and lives.
“There is a lot of trust there,” said third-generation Elk River firefighter Chad Kreuser.
But for Kreuser and fellow firefighter Ryan Wolcenski, it’s grown to be so much more: Kreuser learned that he suffers from polycystic kidney disease and in rapid need of a lifesaving kidney transplant.
“It’s kind of one of those things that you have no control over, so you hope for the best,” said Keuser.
So when the search began for possible donors, fellow firefighter Wolcenski didn’t bat an eye. He quickly volunteered to be tested to see if by chance he would be a suitable match.
“I didn’t, didn’t even hesitate,” Wolcenski explained.
A couple months later, Kreuser got the news few expected and was both shocked and pleased to learn his kidney was a perfect match.
“I got an email from my [medical] team that said, ‘congratulations! you’re a match,'” said Wolcenski.