A rare work-related cancer has claimed the life of a Colorado firefighter.
Troy Jackson, a former assistant chief of operations for South Metro Fire Rescue, died of adenoid cystic carcinoma Monday at UCHealth HIghlands Ranch Hospital surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, the department stated in an online update. He was 51.
"He’s just an amazing guy. He’s the best friend you could ask for, and a great father and husband," South Metro Chief of Operations Jon Adams told KCNC-TV.
Jackson joined South Metro as a firefighter in 1990, and he advanced in the department to assistant chief in 2016. But in 2013, Jackson was diagnosed with the terminal cancer, which eventually forced him to step down in August.
"We don’t know the number of lives Chief Jackson touched as a firefighter, but we know it was many," the department's statement said. "His legacy will live on as SMFR continues to make health and safety improvements to reduce the exposure that personnel have to cancer causing carcinogens during their daily responsibility of protecting the community."
Jackson is survived by his wife, Lori, his daughter, Carley, and his son, Covey, as well as his daughter-in-law, Courtney. South Metro facilities will fly flags at half-staff and personnel's badges will be shrouded until further notice, the department said.
