GLENDALE, AZ — The Glendale Fire Department is mourning the loss of a captain who battled occupational cancer.
Officials say Captain Kevin Thompson fought a “long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma,” and died early Tuesday morning.
“This line-of-duty occupational cancer death hits home for all of us across the Valley and throughout the fire service, reminding us of the risks that remain long after the call is over,” the department said on Facebook.
Information about memorial services has not yet been released.
Cancer is a leading cause of death for firefighters, according to the Firefighter Cancer Alliance.
Resources to help Valley firefighters fight cancer can be found here.
A new state law that took effect January 1 significantly expands access to state cancer insurance benefits for retired firefighters and police officers.
Last year, ABC15 reported on the Phoenix Fire Department’s methods of washing firefighting suits to reduce harmful chemicals that remain on gear after leaving fire scenes, potentially causing health problems.
In Arizona, 166 firefighter cancer claims were covered under workers’ comp in fiscal 2025, according to an Industrial Commission report. No one knows exactly how many claims were denied; the state doesn’t track the number of denials. But the firefighters’ union keeps close tabs on when members are denied. As of early November 2025, ABC15 Investigators learned the union was involved in “seven to 10” denials for various reasons and said “that number fluctuates.”
