Retired Gilbert fire captain honored after dying from job-related cancer

A retired Gilbert fire captain who died from job-related cancer earlier this month was honored during a private memorial service on Monday.

Dave Tavares died on July 3 after a long fight with occupational cancer. He received full honors with a military flag folding ceremony and fire apparatus procession.

He served as a firefighter for 22 years before retiring as a captain in April 2023. He worked 19 of those years with the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department and served on its honor guard during that time.

He was also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Gilbert Fire officials described Tavares as one its most reliable, hard-working members and said his commitment and integrity not only left a lasting impact on his coworkers but also his community.

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