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WEST JORDAN — West Jordan firefighters decided to build a deck as a final parting gift for a veteran firefighter diagnosed with a cancerous tumor.
Bruce Ballard, 61, was a firefighter for the West Jordan Fire Department for many years. In July, he began experiencing severe fatigue and headaches, and that's when doctors told him he had Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma. Doctors informed him that chemotherapy wouldn't affect the aggressive brain tumor.
"The doctor came back and said it's just not working," said Bruce's wife, Shanna Ballard. "He cried. We cried together. I think he was in a lot of pain that he never shared with us."
Shanna said she wanted Bruce to enjoy his final days at work. Since Bruce loved the outdoors, the couple decided to add a deck onto their home. When Bruce's fellow firefighters found out about the renovation plans, the group decided to tackle the project.
A West Jordan Fire Chief got the permit and designed the deck. More than 30 firefighters from four different agencies, some who didn't even know Bruce, pitched in to help.
"What firefighters are doing here is what firefighters do — we go and help people in need," said West Jordan Fire Department Battalion Chief Reed Scharman. "And in this case, it's family. It's one of ours who's in need."
Last week, Ballard watched construction from his bed, by the dining room window. On Saturday, he was able to enjoy the view from the almost completed deck.
"He had a big grin," Shanna said. "I know he would have rather been out there working on that deck himself."
Bruce passed away before the deck was completed, but firefighters have continued to work on their project. Firefighters were at the Ballard home Wednesday building the stairs.
Ballard's wife said there would be many family gatherings on the deck, especially with the couple's 12 grandkids, who meant the world to Ballard.
"The goodness that surrounds us is amazing," Shanna said. "Simply amazing."
Bruce was planning to retire from the fire department May 2014, after 30 years of service. The fire department recently had a celebration for him. His funeral will be on September 21.
