FREMONT, Neb. — A firefighter-paramedic died Thursday after losing a battle with stage 4 cancer.
Rob Taylor, 46, was a 13-year veteran for the Fremont Fire Department and Avoca Volunteer Fire Department. He was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer in 2015.
After learning the cancer metastasized to his right femur, he had a steel rod inserted to stabilize the bone so he could return to work.
“He was always stubborn,” Fremont Fire Capt. Tom Christensen told the Fremont Tribune. “He was able to hang in there for a few shifts — he worked hard to control his pain and get fit again, just so he could come and work this crazy job we do. We were all really proud of him.”
Acova Fire Chief Martin Brammier earlier this week asked for the community to keep Taylor in their prayers.
“Last week, we asked for your time and prayers. Over 41,000 of you responded to our request. Rob was aware of what all of you were doing for him and the tears in his eyes made that evident. I honestly believe that what you all did for him gave him some comfort and peace as well,” Brammier said.
“He was definitely dedicated and committed to the fire department,” Fremont Fire Chief Todd Bernt told KETV. “He’s the type of person you’d want on the front line doing our job.”