By Annie Kate, ABC 57:
Outside the Central Fire Station in Goshen, a memorial is on display to honor Assistant Chief Bruce Nethercutt, who died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer.
Cancer in firefighters is far too common, so departments and policymakers are working to lessen exposure to toxic chemicals.
“We hired Bruce 26 years ago, 27 years ago,” said Goshen Fire Chief, Danny Sink.
Nethercutt had a successful career in the Goshen Fire Department, serving as the assistant chief of the EMS division, but his career was far from over when he was diagnosed with cancer.
“He was a wonderful man, really,” Sink said. “He was the epitome of a leader, very calm, very insightful.”
Nethercutt died from cancer Tuesday.
“We are beginning to learn and understand more about the prevalence of cancer in the fire service,” Sink said.
Cancer is a reality for far too many firefighters, who experience increased exposure to toxic forever chemicals called PFAS.
“One of the waterproofing agents in our gear is PFAS, that’s a problem,” Sink said.
Nethercutt will receive a full line-of-duty service funeral, including a procession under a Garrison flag.
That will be Monday at 3 p.m. at River Oaks Community Church.
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