WESTMINSTER, Colo. — A procession and memorial service were held for Fire Captain David Sagel, 54, who died Sunday after battling work-related cancer, the Westminster Fire Department (WFD) said.
"We love Dave, and we love you," Doug Hall, Westminster Fire Chief, said.
Sagel leaves behind a wife of 33 years and two sons.
"Many of us have gotten to know you throughout Dave's career. You will forever be considered a part of the Westminster Fire Department," Hall said.
> Video below: Full memorial service on Jan. 29.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the service was not open to the public.
Sagel worked with WFD for 34 years and was known for his passion for community service.
"When Dave found out he had cancer, he didn't skip a beat. He didn't feel sorry for himself. He continued to work the job at task," Marc Boette, firefighter/paramedic, said.
WFD said Sagel died after more than a year of battling a work-related abdominal cancer diagnosis.
"He taught me, well, actually, he always stood up for the underdog," Boette said. "He taught me not to prejudge people and give everyone a chance."
The Fort Morgan native was the department’s first active-duty member to die from cancer linked to the job's hazards.
“There are a lot of agencies here in the Denver metro area that have experienced the same thing we’re experiencing,” Hall said. “It’s weighing on our people.”
Gov. Jared Polis ordered flags lowered to half-staff on all public buildings statewide on Friday to honor Sagel.
"And, I tell you, we will forever remember Dave," Hall said.
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