Firefighter Tanner Brotzel and his colleagues are used to fighting blazes side by side. So when Brotzel was diagnosed with cancer in December, his co-workers didn't hesitate to help him in his fight against the disease.

The team agreed to cover shifts for Brotzel, relieving him of work and helping him hold onto benefits and pay. But last week the Regina Fire and Protective Services told the firefighters they'd no longer be allowed to cover for their colleague.

"I don't know exactly why there was a change. We've never been given a real reason," said Brian Seidlik, Brotzel's platoon leader and the president of the Regina Professional Fire Fighters Association.

Speaking on CTV's Canada AM, Seidlik said Brotzel's colleagues had been more than willing to help their friend and fellow firefighter.

"The members around the fire hall sat down and decided that they would work for him, and approached Tanner and said, 'Don't worry about it Tanner. We've got your shifts covered.'" Seidlik said. "And Tanner said 'That's the best thing that could ever happen.' "

Seidlik said the arrangement was working well until last Friday, when firefighters received notice that they would no longer be able to cover for Brotzel.

Now, Seidlik said, Brotzel has been told he must either return to work or go on long-term disability.

"We were notified that this process would no longer happen. No more replacements. And he would either have to go on long-term disability or come back to work, and, unfortunately, he is coming back to work," Seidlik said.

While Brotzel is entitled to disability benefits under his contract, Seidlik said the benefits only cover a fraction of his pay. Seidlik also said it could take months for benefits to kick in, potentially leaving Brotzel in financial limbo.

But the director of Regina Fire and Protective Services said Brotzel's ability to access his full benefits may be threatened if his colleagues keep covering for him.

According to Chief Ernie Polsom, long-term disability would give Brotzel a range of benefits in addition to wage replacement, but he needs to apply soon to be eligible. And if Brotzel opts out of applying for disability benefits now, Polsom said he could have trouble accessing other benefits in the future.

"While we understand the positive intent of the firefighters to support their colleague during his illness, their actions covering his shifts put Tanner Brotzel's access to benefits at risk," Polsom said in a statement.

Polsom said a review is underway to determine how the firefighters were able to cover for Brotzel for almost seven months.

But Seidlik said he thinks the focus should be on Tanner's wishes, not the firefighters trying to help him.

"It's about Tanner, and Tanner chose to access the goodwill of our members, our team members that stepped up and offered to work for him," Seidlik said. "The focus should be Tanner, and Tanner getting better."