Raleigh firefighter dies from cancer days after parade to honor him

A retired Raleigh firefighter, 68-year-old Lt. Raymond Harrell, died Sunday after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Days before his death, dozens of firefighters and first responders from across Wake County gathered for a parade to show their support and respect for Harrell, who served 30 years with the Raleigh Fire Department.

Harrell was wheeled out on a gurney to watch the parade. Fire trucks stretched around the block, and neighbors young and old lined up to say final goodbyes to a man who gave his life to service.

Firefighters have a 9% higher chance of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher chance of dying from the disease than the general population, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Ronny Mizell, a retired Raleigh Firefighter, went through the academy with Harrell.

"Raymond really was proud. He was proud to be a Raleigh firefighter,” Mizell said. “That everywhere he went, he was proud to proclaim it. Just a godly man, a good man, a wonderful heart of service."

Harrell was diagnosed last year with pancreatic cancer, and he's started to make the final transition, but his son says this outpouring of love has given him an extra boost.

"He's been kind of in and out today, but he's so alert,” Harrell’s son, Jacolby Harrell, said. “He knows exactly what's going on right now."

Raleigh Fire Chaplain Jeffrey Neal was the organizer of the event.

"It's a blessing,” Neal said. “I mean, we're able to serve, we're here to make this family, to give them a little peace, just give them something.”

For some in attendance, they had no words; they allowed the tears to say it all.

A testament to Harrell and the life he has lived.

"I don't know Lt. Harrell, but it was a part of his life for a very long time, and showing respect for the time he put into the fire service and how he made it better is super important," said Knightdale Capt. Aidan Sheehan.

Harrell's family said Thursday was a gift.

"We have one last opportunity with my dad to tell him how much we love him, and he can feel it," Jacolby said.

Neal says they cannot say with certainty that Harrell's cancer was from his job.

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Mizell says another firefighter in Harrell's academy died from cancer, and Raleigh Captain Nathan Burgess recently died from cancer.