Tamara Thacher is believed to have died from her job as a firefighter, years after running into burning buildings.
Her memorial last December was a time of reflection, not just of her life and service but the illness that cut her life short.
The Sacramento Fire Department said her cancer is presumed to be the result of exposure to toxic chemicals firefighters potentially encounter every day.
“My goal is never to have another firefighter like Tami Thacher lose their life because of contracting cancer,” Chief Gary Loesch explained.
The department introduced two engines called Clean Cab Apparatus to help keep firefighters safe.
The department estimates the Clean Cab Apparatus costs about $35,000 more than a truck without clean air modifications.