05/18/2025
A member of our fire family is still recovering after becoming ill 6 months ago, Lt. Dewey has been without pay since February and recently received the devastating news he will not be able to return to firefighting. If you’re able to, please join us in donating to the Dewey family while he continues his recovery and seeks a new career.
A message from the Dewey Family:
Ryan Dewey served as a lieutenant with Pooler Fire Rescue until November 2024, when he was hospitalized with serious complications from COVID-19. The virus, worsened by smoke inhalation from a recent fire, triggered a “perfect storm” that led to multi-focal pneumonia. Ryan spent five scary days in the hospital, with oxygen levels hovering just single digits above the threshold for brain and organ damage. Though he is now home, the pneumonia caused moderate heart impairment and permanent lung scarring. Once active and fit, Ryan’s functional capacity has been drastically reduced. Last week, he received the devastating news that he will not be able to return to firefighting. While his long-term disability claim is still pending, the family has been without his income since February, and medical bills continue to pile up.
To make matters more difficult, his wife Whitney’s work with federal agencies was significantly affected by recent government budget cuts, and her current role does not offer insurance. Both Ryan and Whitney are actively looking for new employment, with health coverage critical for their family of four. The Deweys are incredibly grateful for the love, encouragement, and generosity shown by their community—it’s helped them stay hopeful through this tough season.
Ryan Dewey served as a lieutenant with Pooler Fire Rescue until November 20… Christina Fernandez needs your support for Aid Ryan Dewey's Family Through Crisis
