Contra Costa County Fire Protection District stations will fly flags at half staff this week for firefighter John Martinez, who died of cancer Sunday morning.
According to Con Fire social media, Martinez was diagnosed with occupational-related cancer in 2022. He passed with his family at his side.
Martinez joined Con Fire on October 2, 2017, and spent the majority of his time assigned to Engine 9 in Pacheco.
Martinez was an emergency medical technician, a member of the Con Fire Honor Guard, and a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1230.
Martinez was also a former U.S. Army soldier for five-and-a-half years, doing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Con Fire said Martinez leaves behind his father, John Martinez Sr, wife, Sara, and two children, Dominic, 12, and Caylee, 3.
“His commitment and dedication to his family, the community, and his brothers and sisters at Con Fire will forever be remembered,” Con Fore said, in a statement.
“Flags will be flown at half-staff at all Con Fire facilities and badges worn by Con Fire personnel will be shrouded until further notice,” Con Fire said. “Details of Firefighter Martinez’s memorial service will be shared in the coming days. We asked that all respect the family and refrain from calls and visits at this time.”
Sympathy to all…
So very sad……
So what gave him cancer?
Rest in Peace, John Martinez. Thank you for your outstanding service.
Never good when a father dies, but where did he pick up the occupational cancer.
Fire fighters are exposed to a lot of toxic chemicals.
I understand that but they all don’t die of occupational cancer. There must have been a time when he was overexposed. There are a lot of industries where people are exposed to dangerous chemicals.
So is the Military
Military veterans have been fighting the VA for years to deal with the cancers and other illnesses caused by exposure to toxic agents. We finally got a break last year with passage of the PACT Act, but it’s a long, slow process. Many exposed veterans will be dead before their cases are resolved.
Many types of Cancer are presumptive for Fire Service personnel. If a Firefighter comes down with any type of Cancer on the list, then it is presumed to be job related. This means the burden of proof falls on the agency to prove it was not job related. Twenty to thirty years of dealing with all types of fire and hazardous materials take a toll even with personal protective equipment. Ask me how I know.
Terrible news. I spent 31 years as a paramedic. I know that emergency responders have a very physically and psychologically unhealthy job. Godspeed brother..
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Thanks for your military and public service. My prayers are extended to his family, friends, and colleagues.
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𝕽𝖊𝖘𝖙 𝖎𝖓 𝕻𝖊𝖆𝖈𝖊!
No calls or visits all right fine you’re on your own you will get nothing from me