A Phoenix Fire Department firefighter was found dead at a military base.
Fire officials say Juston Doherty was found dead Friday night in his quarters while on active military maneuvers at the Arizona Army National Guard Base in Phoenix. The cause of his death is unknown at this time, according to officials.
Phoenix fire officials said Doherty was also a highly-decorated Captain in the US Army. Doherty was an Army Ranger and Airborne School graduate who served in two combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and received multiple commendations and medals, including the Bronze Star.
Doherty, a 15 year veteran of the Phoenix Fire Department, was also the recipient of the Phoenix Fire Departments Medal of Valor for entering a burning apartment on his day off without protection to save children who were trapped in a fire.
"Juston Doherty was a cherished and decorated “larger than life” member of the Phoenix Fire Department. His sudden passing creates a void in our family that will be difficult to overcome. His energy, spirit and commitment to service was an invaluable asset to our membership and will be greatly missed," said Captain Rob McDade, with the Phoenix Fire Department.
Buckeye Valley Fire District posted to Facebook on Sunday: "Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Doherty family, crew members, and the entire of Phoenix Fire Department family for the tragic loss of Phoenix Firefighter Juston Doherty. Thank you for selfless service to the citizens of Phoenix and to our Great Country."
On Monday, a spokesperson for Phoenix Fire said an autopsy had been completed, but the toxicology would not be complete for two weeks.
