Former Edmond Firefighter Fighting City Of Edmond After Cancer Diagnosis

An Edmond firefighter has spent more than two decades keeping people safe. However, this man is now planning to sue the city he used to protect.   

“I think a lot of it is mentality,” said Ryan Barrett, a former Edmond firefighter. 

As a former member of the Edmond Fire Department, Ryan Barrett knows how to fight for people. 

“He was one of the paramedics and firefighters who pulled the bodies of the little kids out of the Plaza Towers,” said Sarah Christian, Barrett’s Fiancée.  

Today, Barrett’s life is a constant battle. He was diagnosed with cancer last November. Barrett’s time fighting fires had to stop, and so did his paychecks.    

“I also signed up with the understanding that if something like that happened, that I was going to be taken care of,” Barrett said. 

Barrett’s leukemia medication costs him $18,000 per month.  

“That’s for one medicine,” Barrett said. 

His work insurance pays some of the bills right now.   

“I could have medically retired that day,” Barrett said. “The problem is that insurance stops that day too.”  

Barrett thought he would receive worker’s compensation. The Oklahoma municipal code shows firefighters who are diagnosed with cancer while employed can qualify for workers' compensation.  

“I’m ashamed of Edmond,” Christian said. 

However, Barrett said the department wouldn’t offer him a light-duty role.  

“Basically, everything that makes me who I am has been taken away,” Barrett said. 

A city of Edmond spokesman said the city can’t comment on pending litigation.  

“I’ve never had to struggle like this in my life,” Barrett said. 

All Barrett said he received was silence.   

“Not one phone call from my chief,” Barrett said. 

Barrett said he already started eviction paperwork on his home. He said he could lose custody of his children if he lost his home.   

“It’s hard to feel like a protector of your family when you can’t provide for them,” Barrett said.  

After 22 years of service, he is suing the city he fought so hard to protect. 

“I’m tired of struggling. I’m tired of it,” Barrett said. “Cancer’s bad enough. I am not very good at asking for help, but I need it.”