South King firefighter dies of cancer in line of duty

John Moncrief, a firefighter with South King Fire and Rescue, died July 21 from a cancer known to be caused from long-term exposure to toxic products of combustion.

July 23, 2012 1:38 pm
Firefighter John Moncrief retired from South King Fire and Rescue in 2011 after a nearly 25-year career.
Firefighter John Moncrief retired from South King Fire and Rescue in 2011 after a nearly 25-year career.

Mirror staff reports:

John Moncrief, a firefighter with South King Fire and Rescue, died July 21 from a cancer known to be caused from long-term exposure to toxic products of combustion. He was 59.

The death has been ruled as a line of duty death. Moncrief will be honored with full Line of Duty Death (LODD) recognition, according to the fire district. The memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. July 28 at Northwest Foursquare Church, 34800 21st Ave. SW.

Moncrief joined the former Federal Way Fire Department in 1989, and retired from South King Fire in March 2011 after a 22-year career. Earlier that year, he was diagnosed with cancer, which had already reached an advanced stage. His condition and treatment required several blood transfusions. Blood drives on Moncrief’s behalf were held as recently as July 5.

His family was at his side when he died peacefully at home on Saturday, according to the fire district. Moncrief is survived by his wife, Bev, daughter, Tessa, and son, Trevor.