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West Chester community mourns the loss of veteran firefighter Tim Burns

Burns died of occupational renal cancer, WCFD said
Posted at 11:30 AM, May 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-18 13:38:06-04

WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Family and community members are mourning the death of a 19-year-old veteran of the West Chester Fire Department.

Tim Burns died Wednesday evening after a lengthy battle with occupational renal (kidney) cancer, according to a news release from West Chester Fire Department.

West Chester Fire Chief Rick Prinz said Burns served the community with great integrity and professionalism.

“He will be remembered for his commitment, compassion and humor,” Prinz said. “He has demonstrated great bravery and dignity throughout his illness leaving behind a legacy to be honored”.

Burns spent more than 30 years of his career in fire service, working in New Burlington, Springfield Township, Colerain Township, Springdale, Liberty Township and, most recently, the Village of Glendale.

Burns and wife Vicki have twin sons, Zachary and Spencer, Prinz said.

A study by the Center for Disease Prevention and Control says firefighters are twice as likely as the general U.S. population to be diagnosed with cancer. Kidney cancer is among the "cancers of primary concern" for firefighters listed in the study.

Funeral plans for Burns are pending.