Community members gathered on Friday for the funeral procession of a Colorado firefighter who died of complications from injuries he suffered while rescuing another firefighter.
Retired Arvada firefighter Kevin “KJ” Jacovetta died on Sept. 19 following a battle with cancer the department said was connected to his burn injuries. Jacovetta suffered third-degree burns in 2011 while rescuing fellow firefighter Chris Paine from a destructive house fire and was honored with the Medal of Valor for his actions.
He served the community for over 30 years until complications from his injuries led to his retirement in 2021. Jacovetta was diagnosed with cancer two years later. Arvada Fire Chief Kirk Lock said, “Sadly, his passing serves as a tragic reminder of the link between firefighting and cancer and the dangerous working conditions that firefighters selflessly enter to help others.”
