A Fort Worth firefighter died Friday from pancreatic cancer caused by heat and smoke exposure.
Capt. Keven Teague was a firefighter in Fort Worth for 24 years, Fort Worth Fire Chief Jim Davis said in a Facebook post.
Teague, 46, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two weeks ago and was being treated at a local hospital. He leaves behind a wife and two children, ages 6 and 9.
“The FWFD will honor Keven in the future by becoming a leader in firefighter cancer reduction, research and strategy,” Davis said in the post. “Although the FWFD family grieves the loss of such a respected fire officer and friend, our focus will be to move heaven and earth to support his family moving forward.”
Teague’s death is considered to be in the line of duty because he most likely developed cancer as a result of his service as a firefighter. A firefighter who dies from cancer is presumed to have developed the disease due to exposure to heat, carcinogens, smoke or radiation, according to a press release from Fort Worth Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 440.