Captain Karl Conrad of the Saint John Fire Department died following a battle with bladder cancer. (Image: IAFF Local 771)
Saint John firefighters are mourning the loss of one of their own who spent more than 30 years with the department.
Captain Karl Conrad of Ladder Company 5 died after a battle with bladder cancer which is considered an occupational illness.
IAFF Local 771 president Brad Lanigan says Conrad was given a terminal diagnosis in March.
“Each province has certain cancers that they recognize that are ones that firefighters are more in line for getting. Bladder cancer is one of those,” Lanigan said.
Conrad’s line of duty death means his name will be added to memorials for fallen firefighters in Saint John, Ottawa and Colorado Springs.
Lanigan said the line of duty death usually brings a more formal funeral but, Captain Conrad requested something more laid back.
“We’ll be performing an honour guard outside. Just lining up and wearing our masks and social distancing. That was his request,” Lanigan said.
Karl Conrad was 59-years-old.
We regret to inform you of the line of duty death of Captain Karl Conrad, of Ladder Company 5, SJFD. Captain Conrad…
Posted by Saint John Firefighters on Friday, June 11, 2021
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