Funeral held for fallen North Royalton firefighter

CLEVELAND —Neighbors, friends and first responders lined the streets to honor and pay tribute to fallen North Royalton firefighter Ryan Milligan.

“Each procession this past week has proven once again our brotherhood is strong, and the community mourns with us,” said North Royalton Fire Chief Robert Chegan Jr. “Not only did we see fire personnel standing on the side of the road, the fire apparatus on the bridges, the intersections. We also saw our community out there.”

The 36-year-old died while battling a house fire last week. He was one of the two firefighters admitted to the hospital, while his colleague continues to recover from his injuries.

Chegan spoke at Milligan’s funeral, emphasizing Milligan’s love for helping people and his love for the job.

“While most people seek safety in moments of chaos,” said Chegan. “Ryan was among the rare few who willingly put his gear and ran toward danger. He truly cared for every patient he encountered and treated everyone with dignity, grace and compassion.”

Chegan said Milligan dressed up for Halloween as a firefighter years before he became one.

“Even though we’re brothers, we have very different strengths,” said John Milligan, Ryan Milligan’s brother. “I was always good with words where Ryan was good and better at everything else. But I don’t have the right words to say today. I’m afraid I’ll never have them. I’ll never be able to adequately explain how much this man meant to all those around him.”

As dozens of people celebrated Milligan inside the church, people who didn’t know him celebrated him as well, calling him a hero.

“He risked his life to save people, and that’s what he did,” said Maria Nicaise, a community member who attended the procession.

Chegan said the department will make sure Milligan’s legacy lives on

Milligan’s family was presented with the Ohio state flag and the Martin Pierce Medal of Honor. This is the highest honor given to members of the international Association of Firefighters, which recognizes their service and sacrifice.

Milligan served with the North Royalton Fire Department for ten years and leaves behind his wife and two young children.

View photos from the funeral and its procession below:

This is an ongoing story. Check back for updates.

Funeral held for fallen North Royalton firefighter

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