Firefighter cancer seen at local level

Fighting cancer has also been an issue for firefighters locally, including Spokane firefighter John Knighten (inset), who lost his three-year battle with cancer June 30, 2013.

Knighten, a 19-year veteran of the Spokane Fire Department, former Marine, husband to Shawna Knighten and father of three daughters, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2010. He died at his home in Mead.

The blood cancer is one of several the state identifies as a disease presumed to be caused by firefighting and inhaled carcinogens. Because of that, his death is considered to have occurred in the line of duty.

– Staff report