Overview
- The Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union Local 48 announced that 43-year-old Ryan Zwick, a 12-year veteran assigned to Truck 35 in Westwood, died after a battle with cancer tied to his firefighting exposures.
- The union characterized Zwick’s death as an Occupational Cancer Line of Duty Death and asked the community to keep his family and fellow firefighters in their thoughts.
- Officials have not released funeral or memorial details yet and said they will share opportunities to honor Zwick once plans are finalized.
- Public-health experts note that cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters because repeated exposure to gases, vapors and particulates at fire scenes can include known or suspected carcinogens.
- University of Cincinnati researchers who monitor air quality at structure fires said this case highlights gaps in understanding the long-term effects of repeated short-term exposures and reinforces efforts to measure and reduce those risks.