Phoenix firefighter found dead at Arizona National Guard base

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Phoenix firefighter Juston Doherty was found dead at 46 due to "apparent natural causes" while serving at the Arizona Army National Guard Base in Phoenix, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.

Doherty was a firefighter for 15 years and also served as a Technical Rescue Technician. He served in the military as well as a U.S. Army captain, with two combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Until his passing, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves, Phoenix Fire said.

Doherty received the Phoenix Fire Department's Medal of Valor for rescuing children in a burning building on his day off without protection, suffering serious burns in the process.

"Juston Doherty was a cherished and decorated 'larger than life' member of the Phoenix Fire Department," Phoenix Fire said in a statement. "His sudden passing creates a void in our family that will be greatly missed."