BUCHANAN — When firefighter John Rydwelski suffered two strokes on April 13 at his home, the Buchanan City Fire Department was among those who rushed to help the Buchanan man. But after Rydwelski was hospitalized, firefighters felt that their duty to assist Rydwelski was not through yet.

To help Rydwelski cover mounting medical costs, the Buchanan Fire Department will host a Benefit Spaghetti Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, at the fire department, located at 105 W. Front St. in Buchanan. The community is invited to attend and enjoy a dinner of spaghetti, salad, dessert and beverages. The cost is $6.50 for adults. Children 5 and under are free.

Bobby Blaylock, the assistant fire chief for the Buchanan City Fire Department, said they wanted to do their part to support a member of their team.

“Everyone said let’s try a spaghetti dinner,” Blaylock said. “We want to get as many people as we can to raise money for the family.”

Rydwelski, 47, began his career in fire service in 1989. Before serving the city, Rydwelski was a firefighter for Buchanan Township. He has worked as a firefighter for the city for more than 10 years.

In addition to serving the city of Buchanan as firefighters, both Rydwelski and Blaylock work for Cook Nuclear Plant. City firefighters are on call employees, meaning they are only compensated when they are responding to an emergency.

Blaylock said he was on call the early morning when Rydwelski suffered from the strokes at his home. Rushing to the scene, Rydwelski said the address did not register until he arrived at Rydwelski’s home.   

“The fire department was directly involved with getting him out of the house,” Blaylock said. “He was taken to Memorial Hospital in South Bend and has been there since. I have never seen the guys so quiet afterwards”

Blaylock said there is a possibility that Rydwelski could return home Thursday. While Rydwelski has a long road to recovery ahead, Blaylock said he remains optimistic that he will recover.

“He is doing really good,” Blaylock said. “He can walk with the assistance of a cane. It has really affected his speech, [though].”

At this time, Blaylock said he is not sure when Rydwelski will be able to work again. The firefighter also has four children, between the ages of 13 to 22. His children attend school in the Brandywine District in Niles. 

“[We just want] to help out with bills,” Blaylock said. “We decided what could we and it is just working out that we can involve the community.”

If Rydwelski is feeling up to it, Blaylock said he hopes he will attend and see the community there to support him.

Those who wish to support Rydwelski but cannot attend the dinner are welcome to contribute to a Go Fund Me page that was started in his honor. The page can be found at: gofundme.com/recovery-support-john-rydwelski.

“In John’s 47 years on earth he has dedicated his life to helping others, and now he needs our help,” the page reads. “Any money we raise for John and his family will be a huge relief, and one less burden they have to worry about, so they can focus their attention where it belongs.”

Bobby echoed this message and encouraged those hungry for a spaghetti dinner to come out and support a local firefighter in need.