Mesa firefighter passes away while on duty
MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — The Mesa Fire and Medical Department is mourning the loss of one of its firefighters who passed away unexpectedly.
Officials confirm that firefighter paramedic Mark Keller was found dead while on duty Tuesday morning, but details of his passing were not disclosed.
“My heart is with the Keller family in this difficult time. We are deeply saddened by the loss,” Mesa Fire Chief Mary Cameli said in a statement. “Department leadership, United Mesa Firefighters Local 2260, peer support services, and fire chaplains are supporting the Keller family and members of the department. I ask that the Keller family be in everyone’s thoughts and prayers today.”
Keller has served with MFMD for 35 years, beginning in 1990.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Firefighter Paramedic Mark Keller. As a retired Mesa Fire Captain Paramedic, Mark and I served together for many years, and I had the privilege of witnessing his dedication to our community firsthand,“ Mayor Mark Freeman said. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Keller family, his crew and all members of the Mesa Fire and Medical Department. Mark’s legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
First responders from agencies across the Valley, including the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, participated in a procession to transport Keller’s body to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner late Tuesday morning.
The department last lost a firefighter in 2021 when retired Capt. Trevor Madrid, 36, died after a battle with a rare form of cancer.
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