SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its own. The department announced on Facebook Friday morning that Kade Martin, a firefighter with the SLCFD since 2016, had passed away following a short cancer battle.
According to the department, Martin had joined them on September 6, 2016, and spent much of his career on Truck 8 in the Ballpark neighborhood. In 2022, he and his crew received the Medal of Courage for rescuing a victim despite showing little regard for their own safety.
A GoFundMe established by Martin's family to help cover the costs of his treatment and the celebration of life says that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in October.
At that time, Kade was in Ogden Regional to receive treatment for a spinal fracture that caused lesions on his spine. During the procedure, biopsies revealed additional lesions in his lungs, liver, and pelvis.
Following Martin's diagnosis of cancer, he began working in the Community Relations Division, managing the department's social media accounts.
"SLCFD is a close-knit community and we will continue to do the necessary and important work we do - with Kade in our hearts," the department wrote.
Martin's family added to the fundraiser, "After a valiant 38 day fight Kade passed away on November 12th at 8:08 pm completely surrounded by loved ones."
As of 11:00 a.m. Friday, the fundraiser was 95% of the way to its $45,000 goal.
