PG County Community Raises $40K for Firefighter's Family

Prince George's County Firefighter Lt. Christopher E. Hill lived a life of service, and now the community is aiming to return the favor to his family after his death from cancer.

Hill, 46, died at his home in Hanover, Pa. after a battle with brain cancer, leaving behind a wife, a 9-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son. His brave fight has resulted in an outpouring of support from those who appreciated his service: as of Wednesday morning, 287 donors had contributed $40,785 to Chris Hill's family.

Hill's funeral is Wednesday, and volunteers and firefighters from other jurisdictions will be taking over county duties so local career staff can attend the funeral services of a man who spent 14 years of his life as a firefighter in Prince George's County, as well as time as a volunteer with the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department.

Hill didn't just serve Maryland -- he also served the United States as a member of the 3rd Infantry Regiment in the U.S. Army before he transitioned to local firefighting duties.

"Brain cancer is 32 percent more prevalent in fire fighters and is directly linked to the occupation," states his family's YouCaring page. "Chris has worked hard to promote through the ranks. He has always been passionate about his job and felt pride for his crew."

Hill will receive full military honors and a line of duty death funeral service, as his form of cancer was considered occupational and service-related.

Image via Prince George's County Fire Department