By IAFF:
“I am going to die.”
These five words were written by Lt. Brian Kyono in his personal journal — words read aloud by a close friend and colleague, San Francisco Assistant Fire Marshal and Local 798 member Chad Law, in a documentary honoring his life.
“I was with him while he wrote this, and we talked a lot about how in the earlier days of firefighting, we were not as comfortable admitting that we were scared, or that anything could hurt us,” said Law.
After a distinguished 29-year career with the San Francisco Fire Department, Kyono was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer shortly after his retirement. Despite the devastating prognosis, Kyono refused to be defined by his illness. Instead, he became a voice for change, using his final months to raise awareness about the dangers fire fighters face on the job.
“I just wanted to put together something to be remembered by, I guess,” Kyono said in a video message recorded before his death. But his mission was more than a legacy — it was a call for action for his fellow colleagues. “I may not be able to prevent it for myself, but if I can help others avoid it, then my story will mean something.”
The San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation launched Project Kyono, a documentary that chronicles Kyono’s cancer journey through his own words, as well as those of his family, colleagues, and friends.
Matthew Alba — Battalion Chief of the San Francisco Department’s Division of Health, Safety, & Wellness became a vital advocate in ensuring Kyono’s message reached every corner of the fire service. “Brian wanted his message to be heard by all fire fighters,” said Alba. “Even in the face of his diagnosis, he fought tirelessly to protect others from walking the same path.”
Alba, who himself faced a brain tumor diagnosis after 26 years in the fire service, knows all too well the risks that come with the job. “We’re reactive by nature, but we need to take steps to mitigate risks before diagnosis,” said Alba. “Brian didn’t want us to wait until cancer struck. He wanted us to take action before it was too late.”
Video messages shared in honor of Kyono mirrored this plea. “We have to be our own advocates,” said Local 798 member Jeffrey Roy, a longtime friend and fellow fire fighter. “Brian’s message is clear: take care of yourselves, follow safety protocols, and speak up for your health. For all of the newer generations, we need to know about 30 in and 30 out. Putting your 30 years in and Brian only got two years out. It’s not fair.”
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