A Vancouver firefighter who courageously battled occupational cancer has died.
Ron Hegedus, 59, served with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS) for 24 years and rose to the rank of captain.
On Friday, he died with his wife, son and entire family by his side.
IAFF Local 18, the union representing the firefighters, shared the news on social media on Friday.
"His commitment to protecting our community and supporting his fellow firefighters was unwavering, and his loss is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of working alongside him,” reads the post.
The union is asking the public to keep his family in their thoughts as they navigate the grief and loss.
"His strength, resilience, and warmth touched the lives of many, both within and beyond our fire service family.”
The union says Hegedus’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and "we will honour his memory as we continue to serve with the same dedication and spirit that he exemplified."
