Volunteer Firefighter Succumbs To Leukemia

Circleville Firefighter's Leukemia Went Into Remission

NORTH HUNTINGDON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - A Circleville volunteer firefighter has died following a battle with leukemia.

Brandon Lewis, 21, was taken by ambulance to Forbes Regional Hospital on Friday. He passed away later that night.

Lewis had leukemia that was in remission. In September, the community got behind Lewis -- who had just beat leukemia -- by remodeling his home, eliminating Mold.

"When he asked me for an application, he said, 'I want to join Circleville. I want to join where you're at. I want to be part of the community because the community was part of me.' That's what he wanted to do. He wanted to give back," Circleville Assistant Fire Chief Bill Sombo said.

The former Norwin football player was an active firefighter since November 2007. Lewis was a big Steelers fan, and will be buried in a Troy Polamalu jersey, Sombo said.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

A fund has been set up to help pay for Lewis' funeral. Donations can be sent to:

Brandon Lewis Memorial Fund

First National Bank

Circleville Office

200 Clay Pike

North Huntingdon, PA 15642

Donations made at the Christmas Light Display at 1907 Bernice Drive in North Huntingdon through Sunday night will go to the Brandon Lewis Memorial Fund. Hours for the display are 5:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday and 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.