(Photo used with Permission)

Story by Beaver County Radio News/Program Director Frank Sparks

(Patterson Twp., Pa.) Sam Stadterman’s has been a Firefighter for eight years with different communities throughout Beaver County.  He currently is serving with the Patterson Twp. VFD and Beaver VFD. Sam learned in January that he is terminally ill with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that starts in the mucous glands of the Esophagus.  Initially staged at IIIA, the unfortunate results of a recent PET Scan revealed that the cancer has spread to his collar bone, pelvis and neck.  Sam is has a wife, Lisa, and two step-daughters. The family preparing for some tough times ahead as Sam is just starting his treatments and will not be able to work and will have go on short-term disability.

Beaver County Radio’s Frank Sparks spoke with Patterson Twp. Fire Chief Phil Graeser earlier this week and Phil explained that Sam is just a good guy who has done so much for his community and he and his fellow firefighters feel that it is time they help give back to him. Graeser said that when Sam is not working as a Field Service Technician for Cintas Fire Protection Division or a firefighter at Pittsburgh International Race Complex he can be seen volunteering his time to serve the residents of Beaver County, Pennsylvania.

Sam has served as  a volunteer firefighter 2014.  Initially serving with Chippewa VFD, he now volunteers his time with Beaver VFD and Patterson Heights VFD.  As an active member and Trustee with the Beaver County Firefighters Association, Sam was instrumental with helping to revive the association and their goal of ensuring that the firefighters of Beaver County have access to quality training classes.

Chief Graeser told Sparks that co-workers of Sam’s started a Go Fund Me for Sam to try and raise money to help him and his family financially. Graeser said that when his fellow firefighters found out they jumped on board and are assisting in anyway they can. They are taking donations at their weekly Fish Fry’s as well. So far as of Friday March 5, 2021 Sam’s family, friends and brothers have raised almost $8000.00  of their $10,000.00 goal.

Sam needs your help and if you would like to help click on the logo below to be direct to Sam’s Go Fund Me: