[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 73 (Thursday, May 1, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E375-E376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CAPTAIN SCOTT LEATHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2025

  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Captain 
Scott Leatham of the City of Tempe's Fire Medical Rescue Department. 
Captain Leatham lost his battle with a rare form of cancer, which was 
caused by the carcinogens he was exposed to over his career as a 
firefighter, on December 19, 2024, at the age of 39.
  Our community, along with his wife, Ashley, his 15-year-old son, 
Kaden, and his 12-year-old daughter, Kali, grieve his loss still. 
Captain Leatham radiated positivity and goodwill. When he decided to 
commit his life to public service, everyone knew that it was a perfect 
fit.
  From a young age, Captain Leatham dreamed of becoming a firefighter, 
and in

[[Page E376]]

2013, he started an over-a-decade-long career at the Tempe Fire Medical 
Rescue Department. He went to work every day with a positive attitude, 
a passion for his profession, and unwavering selflessness. He took on a 
number of roles, serving as a firefighter, technical rescue technician, 
SWAT medic and member of the dive team. His former supervisors remember 
him as a standout--the epitome of what a firefighter should be. As a 
reward for his years of excellence, Scott was promoted to captain 
paramedic in 2022.
  Beloved by his department and his wider community, Captain Leatham 
was living the life he had always dreamed of--a life committed to 
public service, family, and faith--when he received the devastating 
news of his diagnosis. Yet even in his final days, Captain Leatham 
remained positive, and certain he made the right decision in choosing a 
profession he found so meaningful and rewarding. Hundreds of fellow 
service members, friends, family, and community members attended 
Captain Leatham's funeral in January of this year to pay their 
respects.
  Firefighters face an increased risk of cancer diagnosis and cancer-
related death as a result of their service, and Captain Leatham's story 
is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices shouldered by our firefighters 
as they dedicated their lives to ensuring public safety. Despite the 
risks of this profession that this loss so painfully illustrated, 
Captain Leatham's fellow crew members at Tempe Fire Medical Rescue 
Department feel inspired by his legacy and are continuing to serve the 
people of Tempe with pride.
  Ahead of National Firefighters Day, I stand to honor Captain Scott 
Leatham and all our Nation's firefighters. We are forever indebted to 
them for their courage and their service.
  Godspeed, Captain.

                          ____________________