Tempe firefighter Tommy Arriaga dies of job-related cancer at age 36

PHOENIX – Tempe firefighter Tommy Arriaga died Friday morning of cancer contracted while in the line of duty, the city announced.

Arriaga, 36, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2019. The cancer was determined to be related to his job, the city said.

He is survived by his wife, Monica, and two young daughters ages 7 and 3.

“Tommy effortlessly demonstrated passion, humility and perseverance throughout his life and career with the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department,” Fire Chief Greg Ruiz said in a press release.

“He exuded the true meaning of courage in the face of adversity and through every obstacle life threw his way. He inspired all those around him with his positive attitude and will continue to do so after his passing. Tommy will be deeply missed by all who served with and around him.”

Arriaga started with the department in 2014 and joined the Hazardous Materials Response Team in 2016.

He is the department’s second line-of-duty death and the first since 1980, when Ed Gaicki died during a fire at a local business, the city said.

Memorial and funeral service details are pending.

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