LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland Firefighter is back at work after a long 16 month battle with cancer. Clay Geiger, 31, was diagnosed last year with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. 

"I wasn't sure this day would ever get here, but I couldn't be more excited for my return," Geiger said. "It was a long journey, and I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the continued support of my family and work-family."

During treatments, Geiger also tested positive for COVID-19 last Christmas. 

"I thought that was it; I had no immunity. Cancer and treatments significantly weaken your immune system," he said. 

(Lakeland Fire Department)

Thankfully, he overcame COVID and cancer. 

"We are very excited to have Clay return to work following a very courageous battle with cancer. He has kept a positive attitude and demonstrated tremendous courage and determination throughout his treatment," said Fire Chief Doug Riley. "His return is a monumental win for the department and the citizens we have the privilege of serving every day."

While he's not completely in remission due to several more years of PET scans and follow-up appointments, he plans to use his experience to advocate for cancer patients and firefighters. 

Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters and research shows firefighters are at a higher risk when compared to the general population. The Florida legislature passed Senate Bill 426 in 2019, granting rights and benefits to firefighters diagnosed with certain cancers, including Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.