Town Rallies Around South Windsor Dispatcher Battling Cancer

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — The community is rallying around a South Windsor public safety dispatcher whose battle with Stage 4 cancer has included two brain surgeries and the loss of his ability to walk.

Ryan Fraley, 37, was diagnosed in February with metastatic melanoma that had spread to his brain, according to the South Windsor Police Department.

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Fraley has undergone two brain surgeries and is receiving immunotherapy, radiation and steroid treatments. He has since developed a spinal tumor that has left him unable to walk, police said.

"Ryan has committed his life to public service," the department wrote. "Now it's our turn to show up for Ryan the way he's shown up for our community."

Before joining the department as a dispatcher, Fraley worked as an emergency medical technician with the Ambulance Service of Manchester and served as a firefighter with Tunxis Hose Company No. 1 in Unionville. Police also described him as a devoted son, brother and uncle to three girls.

Kate Pierpont organized a GoFundMe campaign on Fraley's behalf. More than $20,000 had been raised as of Thursday morning.

The money will help pay for Fraley's medical care, rehabilitation needs and everyday living expenses, according to the fundraiser.

"At 37 years old, this diagnosis has changed his life, and anything his friends and family can do to ease financial burdens, we will do," Pierpont wrote.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.