VIDEO: The annual Burlington Christmas Parade brought its usual sounds, sights and festive atmosphere to the community this year. But for volunteer firefighter Jason Martin, this year’s parade looked different from his usual perspective. Instead of rolling down the street with the Burlington Fire Department as he normally would, Martin watched from the curb, surrounded by family and friends who have become his support system during a difficult time.
“I’ve always had interest in the firefighting field and do what I can for my community,” Martin said. Now, his community is rallying around him after Martin was recently diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
“Started treatments almost two weeks ago now. Doing as good as I can be, and it’s working for us so far,” Martin said. The travel and treatments have sidelined him from serving in the fire department, and the road ahead will be a long one. He also won’t be able to work his full-time job for six months. But he’s not facing it alone.
