Toms River Firefighter Takes On New Battle With Cancer

TOMS RIVER, NJ — For nearly 40 years, Gary Dye Sr. has given his life to public service, fighting fires in Toms River and in other parts of New Jersey.

Dye, a Toms River resident, is a life member and former chief of Toms River Volunteer Fire Company 1, who served as its safety captain. He's also a fire captain in the Kearny Fire Company, where he has been a firefighter since 1987, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Right now Dye is facing a personal battle. He has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, his son said.

"Unfortunately, following a biopsy that revealed cancer growth, he developed a severe infection," Gary Dye Jr. said on a GoFundMe campaign he started to raise funds to help with the costs of the treatment. The infection resulted in hospitalization and Dye needs a second surgery to clean out the infection, his son wrote. "This is now delaying his treatment to beat the cancer."

His son, Gary Jr., said Dye also helped with the recovery efforts at the former World Trade Center site after the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

"While we can't 100 percent guarantee right now that this is where it came from we will always wonder," Gary Jr. wrote.

The fundraising campaign had an initial goal of $3,000 but is continuing to accept donations.

"We understand finances are tight for everyone. If you can not donate we ask if you can please just share the post," Gary Dye Jr. wrote on behalf of the family. Dye has three children, daughters Amanda and Sarah in addition to Gary Jr., and three grandchildren.

"We appreciate all the love and support," Gary Dye Jr. said. "All donations will be going straight towards medical bills and procedures he has to go through to beat this."

Those wishing can donate to the fundraising campaign here.