The City of Kamloops and Kamloops Fire Rescue are mourning the loss of retired Fire Chief Neill Moroz, who has died following a short battle with cancer that has been assessed as an occupational illness.

The announcement was made Tuesday during the Committee of the Whole Council meeting by current Kamloops Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc, who addressed council with what he described as “great sadness.”

“Retired Fire Chief Neill Moroz passed away after a short struggle with battling cancer,” Uzeloc told council. “This is being assessed as an occupational illness and related to work.”

Moroz began his career with Kamloops Fire Rescue in 1985 and spent 28 years with the department, working his way through the ranks before being appointed Fire Chief in 2009. He retired in 2013 after nearly three decades of service to Kamloops Fire Rescue and the City of Kamloops.

Following Chief Uzeloc’s remarks, council observed a moment of silence in Moroz’s honour.

Council also unanimously supported a motion to send a letter of condolence to the Moroz family, expressing sympathy on behalf of the mayor and council.

Moroz is remembered for his long-standing dedication to public safety, his leadership within the fire service, and his lasting impact on the department and the community he served.