Phoenix Fire officials remember life of retired firefighter who died in hospice care
David Mathis (Photo Courtesy: Phoenix Fire Department)
PHOENIX - Officials with Phoenix Fire are calling the death of a retired firefighter on Tuesday a "line of duty death."
According to a post made on the department's unverified Facebook page, David Mathis died in hospice care. Mathis was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2007.
Fire officials say Mathis was granted one of the first Accidental Disability Retirement awards for cancer in 2008.
Dave was a long time firefighter who served most of his career on Engine 15 and Engine 26.
According to the City of Phoenix website, Engine 15 is based out of a fire station near 43rd and Grand Avenues, and Engine 26 is based out of a fire station near 35th Avenue and Bethany Home Road.
Family members say Mathis was 66 years old at the time of his passing.