Lance Caven, a fallen hero loved by his community of firefighters, was remembered on March 19, the first anniversary of his death.

Caven died after a battle with cancer that was likely caused by the chemicals found in gear meant to protect firefighters, said Langford Fire Chief Chris Aubrey.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 already a hard enough job, but to put on gear thatB次元官网网址檚 supposed to protect you B次元官网网址� thatB次元官网网址檚 potentially killing you B次元官网网址� makes it worse.B次元官网网址�

Firefighting gear was found to contain Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, according to research cited by the International Association of Firefighters.

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Aubrey said the cancer-causing properties in equipment that protect firefighters can be found in everyday cookware, such as nonstick frying pans.

B次元官网网址淭he same chemicals are in Teflon, waterproofing, and non-stick stuff. ThereB次元官网网址檚 stuff in bedding, clothing, shoes, and many household products.B次元官网网址�

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Aubrey and Caven had been in the same department for a few years but became friends when they started working as fire inspectors.

Despite CavenB次元官网网址檚 tragic death, the jovial, kind-hearted man is fondly remembered for his good humour, Aubrey said.

CavenB次元官网网址檚 passion was his job. He always tried to understand the mysterious causes of fires, leading to discoveries that often educated Langford Fire Rescue.

B次元官网网址淗e would always say, B次元官网网址楽afety never takes a holidayB次元官网网址� B次元官网网址� he tried to trademark that one,B次元官网网址� said Aubrey.

One of CavenB次元官网网址檚 discoveries was a cardboard box with a burn mark. The homeowners didnB次元官网网址檛 know what caused the burn as it was sitting on a countertop, and nothing else around it had burn marks, said Audbery.

B次元官网网址淗e figured out that they had a concave mirror and the sun was coming in. It burned a hole through the box.B次元官网网址�

Tianna Dupuis, Langford Fire Rescue FireSmart coordinator, remembered Caven for his infectious laugh and fun-loving nature. She recalled a time he rode around the fire hall, shooting water guns at people to relieve tension and have fun.

B次元官网网址淗e just rolled by with this little tricycle and laughed when he got us with the water.B次元官网网址�

In the same period that Caven died, Aubrey had gone to the funerals of four of his friends from the fire service.

B次元官网网址淚 said to our guys the other day, B次元官网网址楢s youB次元官网网址檝e been doing this job long enough, you will go to funerals for firefighters. And itB次元官网网址檚 going to be somebody you know and love.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�

Aubrey said Caven loved being on camera and was nicknamed B次元官网网址楾he PowerPointB次元官网网址� because he learned early how to engage with the camera and the media.

B次元官网网址淭here are so many pictures of him pointing at fires.B次元官网网址�

Caven was with Langford Fire Rescue for 30 years, and his career grew as the city blossomed. He went from dealing with rural fires to dealing with fires in high-rise buildings.

B次元官网网址淭he city went from being a largely rural community to a fully functioning city.B次元官网网址�

Caven helped train hundreds of firefighters during his time at Langford. When Aubrey was promoted to fire chief, he asked Caven to ensure he would still make the department fun.

B次元官网网址淗e helped their firefighting career, and I like to think how he helped them as people, not just with firefighting.B次元官网网址�

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