On July 9, 2024, LARFPA Director Jim Mateer welcomed Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Chavez back to work after a two-year battle with Colon Cancer.
Chavez, a seven-year veteran, was diagnosed with colon cancer in July of 2022, at the age of thirty-eight years old. After undergoing surgeries and several rounds of chemotherapy, he was cleared to return to duty. Daniel returned to duty at FS 2, A-shift.
Director Mateer arrived at Fire Station 2 with his daughter Victoria, a long-time friend of Daniel’s. Mateer presented Daniel with four half gallons of ice cream as a gift for his “first shift back.” Fire Captain II Todd Cremins hosted the visit and rolled out the welcome mat.
In typical LAFD style, as Mateer arrived the company was returning to quarters from a call. The visit lasted about 20 minutes and they got another call and had to leave the station.
LARFPA salutes Firefighter/Paramedic Chavez for his warrior attitude and resolve to survive and recover to serve the public and support his brothers and sisters on the LAFD.