2 Aurora Fire members receive international honor at Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, highlighting occupational cancer risks for first responders
For the first time ever, two former members of Aurora Fire Rescue were honored posthumously today at the 2023 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial hosted by the International Association of Fire Fighters in Colorado Springs. The tribute reflects the risks that first responders face through exposure to carcinogens on the job.
The 37th annual memorial service honored IAFF union firefighters and emergency medical personnel from across the United States and Canada who died in the line of duty. This year 574 names of the IAFF members who died or whose name were submitted between Jan. 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2022, were honored posthumously this year. Their names have been added to the IAFF Wall of Honor at Memorial Park, 1315 E Pikes Peak Ave. in Colorado Springs.
Former Lieutenant Darold E. “Bud” Hills and Fire Investigator Jayne E. Schwenger are the first AFR members to be honored at Memorial Park. Hills joined Aurora’s fire department in 1973 and served on various truck and engine companies during his 31-year career. He also served as a lead instructor at the Rocky Mountain Fire Academy. Schwenger began her career with Aurora’s fire department in 1989. She was a dedicated firefighter and investigator who determined the origin and cause of numerous complex criminal fires throughout the city of Aurora.
“The Fallen Fire Fighter ceremonies are an important tribute not only for the members whose service to Aurora is to be honored, but also for all of our members who give their time, talent, hearts, and souls, to serve and protect Aurora’s communities,” said AFR Fire Chief Alec Oughton. “Speaking on behalf of all Aurora Fire Rescue members, this tribute is both heartwarming and greatly appreciated.”
Hills and Schwenger are among many first responders to be included in this year’s tribute who died as a result of cancer, presumptively due to many years of exposure to toxic chemicals in the performance of their duties on the job.
“IAFF Local 1290 is pleased to recognize Lieutenant Hills’ and Investigator Schwenger’s service to the community of Aurora and our membership by supporting the addition of their names on the Wall of Honor,” said Travis Pulliam, President of the Local 1290 firefighter’s union representing AFR. “It is important that our members receive the recognition, support and benefits they deserve in putting their lives on the line for others every day that they report for duty at work.”