TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — The Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department is mourning after the loss of one of its paramedics.

Paramedic John Garza died Friday morning due to an ongoing battle with cancer. He was a 20-year veteran of the department.

In his role as a paramedic, Garza helped thousands of people with medical emergencies, saving countless lives, officials said.

He served as a captain, an engineer and more. Garza was also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

“Firefighters risk themselves to provide lifesaving services to our community every day,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said in a written statement. “On behalf of the entire City of Tempe, I would like to express sincere condolences to Fire Paramedic John Garza’s family, and thank them for the service he provided.”

“Just over 20 y

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