NJ Firefighter, Who Developed Cancer On The Job, Dies At 46: Officials

WESTAMPTON, NJ - A retired South Jersey firefighter died this week in what has been deemed a line of duty death by local fire officials.

Former firefighter and emergency services worker Matthew Davis, 46, of Marlton, developed an aggressive form of cancer while he was a firefighter for Westampton Township, fire officials said in a social media post eulogizing the emergency responder.

“While this does not make the loss of our brother any easier, it does recognize Matt’s sacrifice and dedicated service, putting himself in harm's way to save lives and protect the property of others,” Westampton Township Emergency Services wrote. “It also raises awareness that some hazards of firefighting are unseen to the eye, but they are just as deadly and life changing.”

Davis, a firefighter and EMT for 16 years in Westampton, also served as an emergency services worker in Cherry Hill, Evesham and Burlington City, according to his obituary.

A 1994 graduate of Cherokee High School, Davis went on to teach HAZMAT classes in Burlington County and Rutgers University. Following his retirement, he worked as a safety coordinator for Princeton University’s Plasma Physics Laboratory.

Davis also earned his bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health/fire science from Columbia Southern University in 2019, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Davis was also a member of New Jersey Task Force One, a nationwide natural disaster rescue operation. He was also a member of the Beverly-Riverside Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, per his obituary.

Condolences were sent from firefighters and police from across the region, ranging from the New Jersey Professional Firefighters Association and Burlington County Professional Firefighters Association, as well as Westhampton police and West Windsor firefighters.

A viewing is scheduled on Nov. 11 at Bradley’s Funeral Home in Evesham from 12 to 3 p.m., officials said. The funeral will occur directly after.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Bringing Hope Home, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit supporting families with cancer.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to Matt’s wife, young children and family,” Westampton Township Emergency Services said.