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16 January 2026
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CT Deputy Fire Chief, 48, dies of occupational cancer: ‘He led by example’, US
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The deputy chief of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department died on Thursday, 15 January 2026, of occupational cancer in what local officials described as a line-of-duty death. David Theriault, 48, began working at the department when he was 14 years old before rising through the ranks over the next three-and-a-half decades to help lead the agency. Fire Chief Bruce Appell said Theriault dedicated his entire life to serving the fire department and the town, calling him a leader, mentor and friend.
“From the time he joined, Dave was a constant presence — reliable, selfless, and deeply committed to the people around him,” Appell said. “He led by example, cared fiercely for his fellow firefighters and gave more than most will ever know.”
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. The organization has said that nearly 80% of member deaths in the line of duty in 2025 were caused by occupational cancer.
Theriault got his start with the department as a teenager through the Explorer program, which aims to give young people the skills needed to become a firefighter, according to Appell.
Before becoming deputy chief in early 2025, Theriault served as a special operations captain and worked as an Explorer advisor. He also oversaw the department’s 75th anniversary celebrations in 2018.
Source: The New Haven Register
“From the time he joined, Dave was a constant presence — reliable, selfless, and deeply committed to the people around him,” Appell said. “He led by example, cared fiercely for his fellow firefighters and gave more than most will ever know.”
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. The organization has said that nearly 80% of member deaths in the line of duty in 2025 were caused by occupational cancer.
Theriault got his start with the department as a teenager through the Explorer program, which aims to give young people the skills needed to become a firefighter, according to Appell.
Before becoming deputy chief in early 2025, Theriault served as a special operations captain and worked as an Explorer advisor. He also oversaw the department’s 75th anniversary celebrations in 2018.
Source: The New Haven Register