Richland County Deputy Sheriff Mark Ryan was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March.
COLUMBIA (WACH) - A former ambulance worker, volunteer firefighter and now a Richland County Deputy, Mark Ryan is used to living a life of public service. His colleagues at the sheriff's department now rallying to his side after Ryan found out he has stage four lung cancer.
"Classic example of it doesn't happen to me," said Ryan. "You go through life, you don't smoke you don't drink, thinking everything is good and you wake up one morning and the doctor tells you, that's what you got."
Deputy Ryan is just starting chemo and to help offset medical bills his colleagues organized a charity bike ride at Lake Murray on June 4th.
"One of the guys I worked with on the night shift surprised me one day, he told me they set this all up and by the way; what color do you want the wrist bands?"
Ryan choosing black and red to symbolize the cancer that he intends to defeat with the help of his colleagues.
"The Richland County Sheriff's Department is a phenomenal family. I’ve never experienced this many guys, this many people in a company that have cared so much."
Ryan telling his extended family to keep his squad car clean and ready for his return.
Click here for more information about the charity ride.
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