NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio — Funeral arrangements have been announced for Ryan Milligan, the 36-year-old North Royalton firefighter who died while battling a house fire Monday in Broadview Heights.

Calling hours for Ryan Milligan are scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Grace Church, 7393 Pearl Road in Middleburg Heights, according to Busch Funeral Home.

His funeral service will take place at the church Monday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

On Wednesday, law enforcement officers gathered to escort Ryan Milligan’s body from the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office to Busch Funeral Home in Parma, according to WKYC.

The firefighter died after assisting Broadview Heights safety services at a house fire in the 2100 block of West Royalton Road. Officials have not released the cause of his death.

Ryan Milligan, of Seven Hills, had served with the North Royalton Fire Department since August 2016. He planned on moving up in the ranks after he recently signed up to take a promotional exam for fire lieutenant, North Royalton’s Mayor Paul Marnecheck said.

The 2009 Normandy High School graduate married his wife, Laura, in September 2022. The couple had a young toddler and an infant, city officials said.

Ryan Milligan’s death has left his family reeling, including his older brother, John Milligan Jr., who remembered him as a devoted family member and friend in a social media post.

John said the family was still struggling to process the loss, describing his brother as someone who consistently showed up for the people around him.

Ryan Milligan was more than a hero because of his career as a firefighter, his brother wrote. He was someone who cared for his family, friends and community every day.

“He’s the best brother, husband, father, son, and friend anyone could ask for,” John Milligan wrote.

John Milligan said his brother had been one of his closest friends and that imagining life without his younger brother was heartbreaking.

“You can’t pick your family, but if I could have picked a brother, I would have picked you every time,” he wrote.

The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau is leading the investigation into the fire, along with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“These firefighters answered the call to serve others without hesitation, placing themselves in harm’s way to protect their community,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said. “We grieve alongside their loved ones and fellow first responders.”

A second North Royalton firefighter, Andrew Protsman, 38, of Parma, was seriously injured in the fire. He is expected to recover, Marnecheck said.

Ryan Milligan’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from fire departments and public officials across Ohio.

Gov. Mike DeWine ordered American and Ohio flags lowered in Ryan Milligan’s honor at public buildings and grounds throughout North Royalton, as well as at the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center and the Rhodes State Office Tower.

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson also issued a statement mourning the firefighter’s death and wishing Protsman a speedy recovery.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have brave men and women who are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe,” Wilson said.

The Broadview Heights Police Department expressed condolences to Ryan Milligan’s family, friends and fellow firefighters.

Several police officers who responded to the scene were hospitalized after experiencing smoke inhalation.

The city of North Royalton said the tragedy highlights the close bond among firefighters and the risks they face while serving their communities.

“Anyone who knows a firefighter, knows they belong to a kindred brotherhood,” the city said. “They are not merely coworkers, they are family, living and working together to serve our residents.”

North Royalton Firefighter Local 2156 has established a fundraiser to support Ryan Milligan’s family. As of Thursday, it nearly reached its $250,000 goal.

Click here for Ryan Milligan’s full obituary.

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