According to the Kalamazoo Gazette, a 25-year veteran of the Portage, Michigan fire department, Brad Wilson, has passed away on December 29th following a battle with mesothelioma cancer. Wilson was 56 years old.

Wilson, who lived in Oshtemo Township, had served with the Portage Fire Department since his early thirties. In June of 2008, Wilson’s co-workers and community came together and held a spaghetti dinner to raise funding for his mesothelioma treatment. Wilson was treated at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas.

Wilson’s friends, family, and fellow firefighters said that he was a selfless, dedicated and loving man who took great pride in serving his community. After he took a leave of absence from his work at the Sprinkle Road Fire Station last year, his co-workers took his helmet with them on each and every emergency call.

“When you’re in this profession, there’s a brotherhood you feel with your co-workers,” said Jim Kelecava, a fellow firefighters. “That’s the same strong bond we all felt with Brad.”

Wilson was able to retain long-term disability benefits until September of 2008 because his fellow firefighters selflessly worked his regular 24-hour shifts on a rotating basis.

Wilson was able to return home to be with his family for the Christmas holiday, where he passed away a few days later surrounded by the people he loved. Funeral services were held on January 3rd.

Wilson’s mesothelioma cancer was attributed to previous exposure to asbestos, a deadly toxin. Exposure in firefighters is prevalent, as many older structures are riddled with asbestos that becomes airborne as a result of intense fire damage.

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