SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Fire Department announced that one of its firefighters died after battling cancer for five and a half years.
The fire department said Josh Rhoads died this past Thursday and was surrounded by his family.
Rhoads joined the fire department in March 2017, working for stations 1 and 7.
"Known for his exceptional skills and dedication, Josh was a beloved colleague and friend who will be profoundly missed," the fire department said in a press release on Tuesday. "His selfless willingness to help, no matter the task, had a lasting impact on everyone who worked alongside him. Whether on an emergency call or during day-to-day station duties, his team knew they could count on him. He embodied the spirit of teamwork that defines the fire service."
The fire department also described Rhoads as a "devoted family man."
"His face would light up to his colleagues whenever he talked about his wife and two children, who survive him at home," the news release said.
A GoFundMe account has been set up for Rhoads' family during this time. Click here to view the GoFundMe.
