By EMS1 Staff
BREMERTON, Wash. — A veteran firefighter-paramedic died Tuesday after being diagnosed with lung cancer a month ago.
The type of cancer Jimmy Hendryx, 47, suffered from is considered a presumptive illness for firefighters under state law, reported KOMO. The department said Hendryx’s death is the first work-related firefighter cancer death in its 114-year history.
Colleagues are still coping with Hendryx’s death, and acknowledged the fact that they are also exposed to cancer-causing toxins.
“It draws attention to the fact that firefighters are exposed to these cancers on a daily basis,” firefighter Rob Ashmore said.
Hendryx leaves behind his wife and two children. He was an avid bagpiper and performed at numerous police and firefighter memorials.
47 year old Bremerton firefighter Jimmy Hendrix died today from a form of cancer that Washington state considers as job-related #komonews pic.twitter.com/pm0kVSvFu1
— Joel Moreno (@JoelMorenoKOMO) January 18, 2017
Bremerton ordered flags at half staff in honor of firefighter Jimmy Hendryx, who died today after a short fight with cancer #komonews pic.twitter.com/sOTAt2YvN1
— Joel Moreno (@JoelMorenoKOMO) January 18, 2017