VIDEO: The Asheville Fire Department said a Safety and Training Officer’s death from cancer has been ruled as a line-of-duty death.
According to the department, STO Jeff Lyons became a member of the Asheville Fire Department in Sept. of 1996. He continuously worked full-time until 2022, when he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer that would eventually claim his life.
Officials said STO Lyons passed away on Nov. 16, 2022 at the age of 61.
On May 28, 2024, officials ruled Lyons passing as a line-of-duty death. “This ruling validates the growing crisis of the increase in cancer among firefighters which is now the leading cause of death.,” officials said. “This ruling is a huge step for the fire service and also beneficial for Jeff’s family.”