PERRYSBURG, Ohio — The Perrysburg Township Fire/EMS Department announced Friday evening that one of its own has died of occupational cancer.
Troy Bernhard, a firefighter and paramedic, was a 28-year veteran of the department and leaves behind a wife and two children, according to a social media post from the department.
The department also noted Bernhard's sense of humor and artistic ability.
"Troy was a friend to many of us inside and out of the firehouse. He was always good to crack a quick joke, and make you laugh! He was great with crafts and made several projects that are on display throughout the fire station," the department stated.
Funeral information for Bernhard will be provided at a later date.
Occupational cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters, who have a 9% greater risk of being diagnosed with cancer than the general public, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters.
Firefighters are exposed to a variety of chemicals in the form of gases and vapors on the job.
"Some of these hazardous substances are byproducts of combustion or burning, such as benzene and formaldehyde. Others come from the materials burning or in the fire debris, such as asbestos from older structures," according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Firefighters are specifically at risk for exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as toxic PFAS, that are found in all sorts of everyday products, as well as firefighting foam.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in January announced a program to help rid fire departments across the state of the toxic chemicals found in the foam that they were previously unable to dispose of.
