Capt. Brandon Minneman, 43, a 17-year veteran of Kent-based Puget Sound Fire, died June 24 of cancer.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Capt. Brandon Minneman to cancer,” according to a Friday, June 27 Puget Sound Fire media release. “Brandon bravely fought a battle with cancer, acquired during his selfless service. His passing is considered a line-of-duty death due to the occupational-related cancer.”
Survivors include his wife, Abby, of 11 years, and his children, Makenna, 15; Ben, 10; and Elli, 7. Details about a Celebration of Life will be released soon, according to Puget Sound Fire.
The Kent Fire Department (now Puget Sound Fire) hired Minneman in 2008, He was a member of the Hazardous Materials Response Team for four years and was promoted to captain in 2020. He was assigned to Station 83 in Maple Valley.
Minneman began his fire service career as a volunteer with the McLane Fire and Life Safety in Thurston County Fire District 9 and with Littlerock Fire and Rescue in Thurston County Fire District 11.
Prior to becoming a firefighter, Minneman served in the Army with the 62nd Medical Brigade from August 1999 to December 2003.
Minneman cherished his family, friends, and his faith immensely, according to Puget Sound Fire.
“He loved Abby deeply, loved being a father and spending time with Makenna, Ben and Elli, and loved the fire service,” according to the media release. “In his free time, Brandon loved spending time watching his kids sports/dance activities, trips to Silverwood in Idaho, trips to Disneyland and building bird houses and Legos.
“Brandon’s positive spirit, his unwavering passion for service, and his love for his family and friends have left an indelible mark in the hearts of all who knew him.”
Minneman died of synovial sarcoma, according to Puget Sound Fire spokesperson Pat Pawlak. It is a rare type of cancer that tends to occur near large joints, mainly the knees and usually affects young adults, according to mayoclinic.org.
“While firefighters do wear protective equipment, our bunker gear does not protect us from all carcinogenic exposures on the fire ground,” Pawlak said.
Occupational cancer caused 65% of the career firefighter line-of-duty deaths in the United States from Jan. 1, 2002, to Dec. 31, 2021, according to data from the International Association of Fire Fighters at firefightercancersupport.org. Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population.
Kent-based Puget Sound Fire serves Covington, Kent, Maple Valley, SeaTac, Tukwila and King County Fire Districts 37 and 43.
Fundraiser
The Puget Sound Firefighters Foundation started a fundraiser in 2023 for Minneman and his family to help with the costs of uncovered medical treatments. All donations collected through this effort will go directly to support the Minneman family through its benevolent fund, the Puget Sound Firefighters Foundation.
To donate, go to https://unionly.io/o/kentfirefightersfoundation/brother-minneman-fundraiser.
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