DELAVAN -- A Delavan boy is running out of time. Ryan Johnson is dying of a rare brain cancer and doctors say he doesn't have much longer. But the Town of Delavan decided he doesn't have to wait to try out his dream job.
"[We] place Ryan Johnson as honorary member of the Town of Delavan Fire and Rescue," says Assistant Chief Jamie Jarosz, Town of Delavan.
They gave him a badge and a shirt for the job. And after a full salute from the department, he hit the streets.
Less than a year ago, Ryan was playing football when he came off the field he was sick. His parents thought maybe a concussion.
"He lost function in his left eye, immediately we knew something was wrong," says Shauna Johnson, mom.
They were told cancer. Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a tumor in the brain stem, but the news from the doctors was even worse.
"There are zero kids that have survived DIPG," says Jesse Johnson, father.
His parents that's why the focus is on Ryan and creating memories for him.
"He lives life to the fullest each and every single day. If he wants to do something he is so determined to just do it," says Shaun Johnson.
And that includes being a firefighter. Ryan thinks they have the best jobs because he says they save people's lives.
Plus he likes playing with the cool toys.
"What was your favorite part?" says Rebecca Klopf, reporter.
"The siren," says Ryan Johnson.
Ryan Johnson was given between three weeks and three months. His family says Ryan wants start school in a few weeks.
