03-03-2025
Des Moines firefighter dies amidst cancer battle
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Fire Department announced the passing of one of their own on Sunday.
According to the Des Moines Firefighters Facebook, Malcom Cortner, 42, died Sunday around 6:30 a.m. following a battle with glioblastoma. Cortner was a firefighter and paramedic with the Des Moines Fire Department.
'Malcolm was an incredible person and stood with us at the capital fighting last year for expanded cancer benefits while battling his own battle,' part of the post reads.
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During his time with the DMFD, Cortner responded to a fire and helped rescue a 16-month-old dog. Due to the dog's injuries, the owner chose euthanasia, but Cortner asked to take possession of the dog and arranged treatment at his own expense.
Cortner also served as a board member for the Winterset Community School District. In a Facebook post, they ask the community to keep Malcolm and his family in your thoughts. 'Thank you to him and his family for his service to the district and to the community.'
This announcement follows the Des Moines Firefighters Union's ongoing efforts to extend medical coverage to cover cancer for Iowa's fire responders. The bill, SF 272, passed through its Senate subcommittee on Wednesday.
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