"Ellen Show" Features Local Firefighter Battling ALS

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Firefighters from the North Side were on the Ellen show Friday.

Pittsburgh firefighters from the Deutschtown Fire Station, including Matt Onyshko, appeared on the comedian's show.

Onyshko, who has been a City of Pittsburgh firefighter for eight years, is battling ALS.

After being diagnosed with ALS, fellow firefighters stepped up, covering Onyshko's shifts so he could continue to receive a paycheck.

Onyshko's family shared their emotional story on the show Friday.

VIDEO: Check out the video here!

"What Matt's doing today, what Matt did yesterday, what Matt's going to do tomorrow -- that's a favorite memory right there. It's heroic, and he's an inspiration," said a teary-eyed Capt. Ron Bartolowits.

And in typical Ellen fashion, the show's host didn't let the firefighters and the family leave empty handed.

For the firehouse, Ellen sent a framed pair of her signature "Ellen Show" boxers.

The Onyshko family also got a check for $50,000.

Dozens of firefighters also gathered at the firehouse to say hello to the Onyshko family from Pittsburgh.

Back in August, Onyshko and other firefighters also took part in the ALS bucket challenge to raise awareness for ALS.

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