Phoenix firefighter dies after battling cancer contracted from job
Jan 18, 2019, 8:45 AM | Updated: 10:14 am
(Facebook photos)
(Facebook photos)
PHOENIX — A Phoenix first responder died this week after battling an aggressive form of cancer that he contracted as a result of being a firefighter.
Rick Telles died Thursday “in the presence of his closest loved ones,” according to a Facebook post from the United Phoenix Firefighters.
“Ricks (sic) passing will be considered a line of duty death and he will be honored accordingly in his memorial services,” part of the post read.
“We have lost a great Firefighter and friend but are blessed by his memory which will live on each day his brothers and sisters answer the call just as passionately as he did.”
The Phoenix Fire Department confirmed Telles’ death in a Facebook post on Thursday.
“Firefighter Telles’ commitment to excellence in all aspects of his profession made him an asset to the department and held him in the highest regard by his peers,” part of the post read.
“Our profession is diminished in his absence.”
The Phoenix Fire Department is mourning the loss of firefighter Rick Telles. Firefighter Telles’ commitment to excellence in all aspects of his profession made him an asset to the department and held him in the highest regard by his peers. pic.twitter.com/Cy9Can03Gh
— Phoenix Fire Dept. (@PHXFire) January 18, 2019
Our hearts are with the @PHXFire and the colleagues, family and friends of Firefighter Richard Telles who lost his courageous battle with an occupational related cancer yesterday. #lastalarm pic.twitter.com/3HvzLB6pAs
— 100 Club of Arizona (@100ClubAZ) January 18, 2019
The department said funeral services for Telles are pending.
