BANGOR — The Bangor firefighter’s union has established a scholarship fund for the sons of firefighter Timothy Mullen who died in January after a yearlong battle with cancer.

The International Association of Firefighters Local 772 has sent letters to the 350 Locals in the IAFF’s third district trying to drum up support for the scholarship fund.

The donations will be used for the education of Mullens two sons.

Mullen was diagnosed with cancer in February 1994 and died just a year later. The Bangor Fire Department held the first formal firefighter’s funeral the city had held in recent memory.

Mullen was 28 years old and was survived by his wife and two sons. His medical bills depleted most of the family’s savings and the family did not have adequate life insurance or mortgage disability insurance.

David Bickford, president of Local 772 wrote, “We have chosen (the scholarship) method as it provides for the long-term needs of the children and not the immediate needs of the bill collectors.”

Donations may be sent to: Tim Mullen Scholarship Fund, I.A.F.F.-Local 772, 289 Main St., Bangor, Maine 04401.