ARVADA, Colo. — Friends, family and members of the public said goodbye Monday to Dan Moran, a local firefighter who died Friday of job-related cancer. He was 50 years old.
Hundreds of people lined sidewalks along a procession route and attended Moran's funeral service.
West Metro Fire Lieutenant, Jeff Delgado, says he met Moran about 20 years ago, and since then, they formed a close relationship. He says he will never forget the man he was.
"We're remembering what a loud and fun person he was and how he could be obnoxious and argumentative and just fun to be around," Delgado said. "You lose your friend, someone who you've known for a long time, and you had your own personal relationship with him, and then you see the outpouring of support from his brothers in service and the fire service — it's amazing."
West Metro Fire and Rescue said Moran worked as both a firefighter and paramedic with their team. He developed cancer during his time as a firefighter.
On the evening of Feb. 7, he passed away surrounded by his family, according to West Metro Fire.
He was hired as a firefighter with West Metro Fire in 2000 and served 18 years, retiring in 2018 due to complications with his cancer.
"During his time with us, he touched many lives, and our community is better for Dan's service," West Metro Fire wrote on Facebook.
The fire apparatus procession began at West Metro Fire Rescue Station 13. It continued to Red Rocks Church in Arvada where a memorial service was held.
In Colorado, a firefighter's passing is considered a line-of-duty death if he or she has worked more than five years as a firefighter and dies of cancer of the brain, skin, digestive system, hematological system, or genitourinary system as a result of his or her work as a firefighter.