A Palmdale firefighter who was expecting his first child in a few months succumbed to a duty-related cancer over the weekend, authorities said.
Firefighter-Paramedic Dustin Roberto, 34, of Goodyear, Arizona, died Saturday surrounded by loved ones, according to fire officials and family.
The death came within two months of his diagnosis with neuroendocrine cellular cancer, loved ones reported via a GoFundMe.com page first established to aid in his battle against the disease.
“FFPM Roberto was assigned to Fire Station 93 in the City of Palmdale. He faithfully served our Department, residents, and communities for nearly five years,” fire officials said in a written statement. “We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family, friends, and colleagues of FFPM Roberto”
He had recently celebrated his first wedding anniversary with wife, Mariah, according to loved ones. They were expecting their first child, a son, in December.
Roberto first served the Los Angeles County Fire Department as an Explorer beginning in 2010, according to a statement accompanying the online fundraiser.
He was diagnosed with cancer in late-June, the statement said. “The cancer started in his stomach and has aggressively metastasized to his liver, lungs, and neck.”
