Benefit To Be Held For Wissahickon Fireman

Chris Tanczos has served with the Wissahickon Fire Company for over 15 years, but in late February, his left foot was amputated due to a diabetic complication. The situation couldn't have come at a worse time for Tanczos, as he was between jobs and lacked any type of medical coverage.   

Since then, the 38-year-old fire police captain has faced a long, complicated recovery, racking up mounds of medical bills as he looks to get his life back on track.

In an effort to help ease his worries, lifelong-friend Shannon Wiechec, along with help from fellow Station No. 7 firemen Steve Strus and Bob Harris, decided to organize a benefit to help keep spirits high and his bills low.

"He's my best friend in the world, and he'll give anyone the shirt off his back," said Wiechec. "This is our way to pay him back for all the things he's done."

The benefit is scheduled for Saturday, June 25, between 7 and 11 p.m. at the , located at 245 E. Race St. in Ambler. The cost of admission is $30 per individual or $50 per couple, with all proceeds going to help out Tanczos as he recovers.

"The money will help pay for his prosthetic, his medical bills, as well as his food, rent and electric," said Wiechec. "We want to help with whatever he needs until he's gotten himself back on track."

The benefit will be in a traditional beef and beer style, featuring food donated by Texas Roadhouse, all the beer you can drink, and a variety of door prizes and giveaways that were kindly donated by local businesses.

In the meantime, Tanczos has received a bit of good news in finally being approved for medical assistance. Wiechec also pointed out that despite the slow-going recovery, Tanczos may be able to begin the shrinking process of the amputation site as soon as next week, which could lead to Tanczos being fitted for a prosthetic in as little as six weeks.

Tanczos will be in attendance at the benefit, which will be a welcomed sight for his friend Rob Bailey.

"Chris has been a great friend for many years," said Bailey, who currently serves as the fire police captain for the Montgomery Township Fire Department.

"I met him through the fire service, and we have helped each other out by doing mutual aide calls and special events. Chris is always willing to help me out, and that, to me, is a true friend."

For more information on the benefit, as well as ticket purchases, click here.