ARVADA, Colo. (KDVR) — A memorial continues to grow for a longstanding, fallen Arvada firefighter.
A press release says 61-year-old retired firefighter Kevin Jacovetta died Friday, following a courageous battle with cancer.
“Given the connection between his illness and injuries sustained on duty, his passing has been designated a Line of Duty Death – Illness – (LODD-I) by Arvada Fire and Colorado Professional Firefighters (CPFF),” the Arvada press release states.
Jacovetta was a firefighter for 33 years. He joined Arvada Fire in 1988 as a Volunteer Firefighter, before being hired as a full-time, career firefighter in 1999. He retired in 2021. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2023.
Cancer in firefighters is a known issue, with a registry established in 2024 by the Centers for Disease Control’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
“To many, many people in our department, Kevin was a mentor, friend and true hero,” said Arvada Fire Chief Kirk Lock. “He was not only a skilled and selfless firefighter, but also a devoted husband, father, and friend. Sadly, his passing serves as a tragic reminder of the link between firefighting and cancer, and the dangerous working conditions firefighters selflessly enter to help others.”
Jacovetta leaves behind his wife, two daughters, three grandchildren and several siblings.
Funeral services are set for Friday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. at Storyline Church, located at 14605 West 64th Avenue, Arvada. The service is open to the public.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
