Beloved, Terminally Ill Manhattan Boy Named Honorary Firefighter

MANHATTAN, IL — Some of Manhattan's bravest pulled out all the stops to bring one of its littlest into their ranks Thursday.

Manhattan firefighters, along with Project Fire Buddies and St. Joseph School, named 4-year-old Brendan Burns as an honorary firefighter—complete with equipment with his name on it.

Brendan is battling neuroblastoma, first diagnosed in 2021, and the family learned late last month that the cancer had returned and this time, it's terminal.

The community has rallied behind the Burns family, creating special moments and memories for them. Brendan made it to his first Chicago White Sox game earlier this month—even delivered the game ball—and the community organized a block party in his honor last weekend.

The Burns family has shared their son's journey with supporters they call Brendan's Brigade. They've shared updates, photos and memories with the group via social media page Brave 4 Brendan, creating a cheering section for their pint-sized warrior.

"Life is not fair! We are devastated by the news we heard yesterday about our baby boy," Brendan's father Tim Burns shared on social media at news of the cancer's return.

"Now we are just going to make as many memories as possible while our buddy is here with us," Burns wrote. "We want Brendan to live the rest of his life having a blast."

The support for Brendan has been steady throughout his battle, with his swearing-in ceremony Thursday among the most touching moments. As a chosen "fire buddy" with nonprofit Project Fire Buddies, Brendan was paired with the local chapter of the organization, a volunteer-led effort by local fire departments to show support for children battling critical illness. His family having recently moved to Manhattan, Brendan's first fire buddy was Nick Engel, a firefighter for Oak Lawn Fire Department.

Engel was the one to pin Brendan Thursday, with Manhattan Fire Protection District Chief Steve Malone, Project Fire Buddies, and others cheering for the new littlest of the bravest. Firefighters dressed in their blues, marking it as a formal occasion.

"Celebrating Brendan’s swearing in today was an absolute joy," Malone told Patch. "Brendan brought our members so much joy over the last year. This ceremony was the very least we could do for our little fire buddy."

Malone praised Project Fire Buddies for their efforts.

"Project Fire Buddies is absolutely amazing for the work they do for children," Malone said.

"I was honored to make him an honorary member with the help of Project Fire Buddies, his original fire buddy Nick Engel, the men and women of the Manhattan Fire Protection District, and of course his family and friends.

"Brendan along with his family have shown such bravery and courage throughout the years, making him an honorary firefighter fits perfectly."

Oh, and there were cookies, decorated with fire trucks and Spider-man—Brendan's favorite.

Project Fire Buddies Founder Founder and CEO Kurt DeGroot said they were happy to be able to give Brendan such a special experience.

"So many people worked tirelessly to make this moment perfect for Brendan," DeGroot told Patch. "It was a beautiful thing to see.

"After talking with everyone involved, we all agreed it was an absolute blessing to do something so special for a real-life superhero.

"Spider-man has nothing on Brendan!"

St. Joseph Principal Colleen Domke said the ceremony was formal and lovely, a perfect tribute to Brendan, who would be starting preschool early next week.

He won't be able to attend, she said, but students will wear "Brendan's Brigade" shirts, in his honor.