By Leila Merrill
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department announced the death of Capt. Kimberly Schoppa on Tuesday from occupational cancer.
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March 2021, Schoppa had served in the county for more than 18 years.
“We met in recruit school, so we started in July of 2004. And she was just such a hard worker, she constantly smiled,” Deputy Chief Tracey Reed told 7News. “She was always there for other people.”
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“Some of the last words she was able to speak was making all of us promise to take care of each other and her family,” Reed said. “She did active chemotherapy and multiple surgeries for a year. Doctors were surprised she would live that long. Most people aren’t on active chemo for a year, but she was so strong. Mentally and physically, just so strong.”
Schoppa is survived by her wife, other family members and friends.
Over the weekend, department members drove past Schoppa’s home in a show of support for her and her wife.
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