‘He gave his life to this organization’: Vancouver firefighter who died of occupational cancer laid to rest

A memorial for Vancouver Fire Rescue Services’ acting captain Neil Austin is highlighting the dangers of a job in the fire services.

Hundreds of uniformed firefighters gathered at St. Andrews Wesley United Church on Friday morning to pay tribute to Vancouver Fire Rescue Services’ acting captain Neil Austin.

Austin was a 20-year veteran of VFRS, and a member of the heavy urban search and rescue team Canada Task Force One. He died of occupational cancer last month, at the age of 54.

His sister Kate Austin spoke at the service.

“He worshiped the brother and sisterhood of the Vancouver Fire Department and in the end, he gave his life to this organization,” she said.

In 2024, WorksafeBC accepted 63 claims for occupational cancer by B.C. firefighters including 21 fatal claims.

“Neil’s passing from occupational cancer is a loss that hits us hard and reminds us of the costs of the work we do,” said Katrina Davison, the president of International Association of Firefighters Local 18, which represents Vancouver firefighters.

“The risks don’t always come in the heat of a call but linger quietly over years of service. His illness was born of the very work he dedicated his life to,” said Davison.

Last year, Vancouver Fire Rescue became the first department in North America to begin replacing safety gear that contains chemicals linked to cancer.

“Every improvement we fight for, every policy we demand, and every innovation we adopt carries the memory of those who have paid the price. Neil’s story becomes part of our purpose,” said Davison.

“We must honour Neil by being diligent in mitigating these risks wherever possible,” Vancouver Fire chief Karen Fry said at the service.

“His death must not be in vain.”

The funeral for Austin focused on his love for his family, and the job that meant so much to him.

“Neil loved being a part of everything that made us what we are as firefighters. The runs, the volunteer events, the sports, and the small moments in between. He showed up. He participated. He laughed and he made everyone around him feel a little bit more included,” said Davison.

As an example of his friend’s famous sense of humour, fellow firefighter Phillip Sheasby shared the final moments he spent Austin, who tried to keep the moment light.

“I told him you should ride the platform truck to the Pearly Gates. He said no, I don’t trust it. I think it’ll get stuck partway,” Sheasby recalled.

Austin has three children from his first marriage and was a loving father to two stepsons from his second marriage. At the service, fire chief Fry presented his widow with the flag that was draped over her husband’s coffin, and gave his adult children his service cap, fire helmet and service medal.

“Acting captain Neil Austin, thank you for your service and the ultimate price you paid. We are truly grateful,” Fry said. “Rest in peace, brother. We will take it from here.”