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Ann Arbor firefighter passes away after battle with colon cancer

Posted at 12:49 PM, Jan 04, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-04 12:49:42-05

YPSILANTI, Mich. (WXYZ) — The wife of an Ann Arbor firefighter shared an emotional video of her husband's send-off from St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital in Ypsilanti.

Craig Sidelinger was diagnosed with colon cancer in July of 2019. Last Tuesday, he was discharged from the hospital to home hospice.

The fire department announced he had passed away on Monday morning. A GoFundMe page has been set up to start an education fund for Craig's children. To donate, click here.

The video posted on Julie Sidelinger's Facebook page last week shows more than 40 firefighters lined inside the entry to salute Craig as he was wheeled to the hospital exit.

Many more first responders were in emergency vehicles outside the hospital.

Craig dedicated 20 years of service to the Ann Arbor Fire Department. For the past 10 years, he was a training officer and EMS coordinator.

He received medical retirement in November. The 45-year-old was taken home in the fire truck he rode in during his years with Ann Arbor fire.

While his family, including two young children, are devastated, they're thankful for the overwhelming support from co-workers, the Ann Arbor community, and those around metro Detroit.