Glendale Fire Department announces death of firefighter after long battle with cancer

Glendale Fire Department Capt. Kevin Thompson died Tuesday morning after a more than six-year-long battle with cancer.

Jan 6, 2026, 10:05 AM Updated: 11:50 am

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PHOENIX — After battling a form of job-related cancer for more than six years, a West Valley firefighter has died.

The Glendale Fire Department announced the passing of Capt. Kevin “KT” Thompson from multiple myeloma on Tuesday morning.

Glendale Fire Department Capt. Kevin Thompson died Tuesday morning after a long battle with cancer. (Photo: GFD)

“KT was more than a captain — he was a brother, a mentor and a friend,” a statement from the department read. “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.”

Timeline of Glendale firefighter’s battle with cancer

Thompson, who had worked for Glendale Fire for over 25 years, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer that forms in certain white blood cells, in April 2019.

It was determined that the incurable disease was a result of his work, which led to Thompson filing a workers’ compensation claim with the city of Glendale.

However, the claim was denied in June 2019, despite multiple myeloma being listed in state legislation that protects the health insurance of first responders diagnosed with work-related cancers.

That led to Thompson having to delay a stem cell transplant procedure, which doctors called “life-saving.”

Undeterred, Thompson fought the decision, and in September 2019, the city overturned the denial of the claim.

Thompson’s first stem cell transplant took place about a month later, and he described the day as a “new birthday” in an interview with KTAR News 92.3 FM.

At the time, doctors hoped the treatment would extend Thompson’s life for 15 to 20 years.