TJ Zimmerlee loves all things firefighting, but the 5 year-old is fighting a rare blood disease. He has Langerhan Cell Histiocytosis, a disease that affects 1 in 200,000 people.

For TJ's 5th birthday the Moyers Corners Fire Department did something they've only done once before. They made TJ an honorary member. "This is only the second time in our history we have given someone this distinction. In 2006, Cole Lancer received this honor as part of a Make-A-Wish foundation request as he was fighting Leukemia."

TJ was given his own locker, name tag, and gear. Lt. Dan Izzo even presented TJ with a custom helmet/shield.

TJ has been visiting the fire department since May when he moved to Onondaga County. It's hard to say who was more excited about the visits, the firefighters or TJ. "We knew from the start that TJ Zimmerlee was one of us," the fire department posted on Facebook.

As TJ continues his fight, he has an entire behind him. "We have your back TJ, you are one of us now. Keep on fighting, we will be right behind you every step of the way."


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