The city of St. Thomas is mourning the loss of long time firefighter and fire chief Rob Broadbent.
The St. Thomas native died Monday after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. He was 56 years old.
Broadbent joined the St. Thomas Fire Service in August 1985. He was appointed as fire chief in June 2010.
“The entire city family is devastated by the loss of a tremendous leader and a strategic director of our fire service. We extend our deepest sympathies to the chief’s wife, Deb, and his entire family," Mayor Heather Jackson said in a written statement issued Tuesday.
Condolences for Broadbent quickly poured in on Twitter.
The St. Thomas Professional Firefighters Association tweeted "We are saddened by the passing of our chief and friend. Our thought are with Debbie, family and friends."
We are saddened by the passing of our chief and friend. Our thought are with Debbie, family and friends. https://t.co/n6rdsU8IJo
— St Thomas PFFA (@STPFFA_L447) August 29, 2017
Acting St. Thomas Police Chief Chris Herridge also expressed his sorrow over Twitter. He wrote "our deepest condolences to the family of Chief Broadbent & our first responder family at @STPFFA_L447. Rob's genuine smile will be missed!!"
Our deepest condolences to the family of Chief Broadbent & our first responder family at @STPFFA_L447. Rob's genuine smile will be missed!! https://t.co/bcl99OugDA
— Chris Herridge (@ActingChiefSTPS) August 29, 2017
The Lasalle Fire Service and the Tecumseh Fire Rescue Service also sent their condolences over social media.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
