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Tribute to retired firefighter, David Dow, who died of brain cancer contracted on the job

The tributes paid to David Dow by his fellow firefighters left his family with no doubt about his impact on the department where he served for 27 years.

BANGOR (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- Instead of fighting back flames, the Bangor Fire Department came together to fight back tears at the funeral for a former member.

“We feel it’s a terrible loss for the family and a terrible loss for the department," said longtime friend and fellow firefighter, John York.

As David Dow was laid to rest on Monday, the tributes paid to him by his fellow firefighters left his family with no doubt about his impact on the department where he served for 27 years. Fire engines escorted the hearse carrying his casket as firefighters stood at attention along the route.

Retired Bangor firefighter David Dow was 54 years old when he died of brain cancer on Apr. 13, 2018

Dow was 54 years old when he died of brain cancer on April 13. He retired from the Bangor F.D. in 2013 and received his diagnosis about three years later.

Despite his years of absence from the department, Dow's death was classified as taking place in the line of duty. The Bangor Professional Firefighters union president, John York, said he believes Dow developed cancer through his work with the department. Based on criteria set by the International Association of Firefighters, the line-of-duty classification made him eligible for additional posthumous honors.

GALLERY: Tribute to retired firefighter David Dow

"Dave was always one of those guys that was out front, hard charger," York said. "He was a good fireman, taught us a lot. Pleasure to work with. He did anything for anybody, just about."

York said veteran firefighters may not have been aware of the cancer risks inherent in the job when they began their careers. But as awareness has increased, York said more needs to be done to limit exposure to carcinogens.

"We're still going to continue to do our job, but as we do our job it's also important for the city to be able to understand that we have to change with the times," York said. "Research is showing that we can do different things. It's going to cost a little bit of money, but there's ways to take care of things."

We may never know if those suggestions could have extended David Dow's life. He is survived by his wife, Melissa, and their children.

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