DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines firefighter and Iraq War veteran has lost his battle with cancer.
51-year-old Phillip "Mike" Broderick died of Stage Four liver cancer Sunday, Des Moines Firefighters said on Monday.
"Mike was an absolutely incredible man for anyone who had the chance to know him," the post said. "Today, stations across the city are mourning the loss of a co-worker, a friend, an ally, and a brother. We lift the Broderick family in our thoughts and prayers this week."
Local 5 previously shared part of Broderick's story in November 2023, after his family's mortgage was paid off entirely by Building Homes for Heroes. Fellow Des Moines firefighter Tyler Mark told Local 5 at the time that Mike was "a brother" to all.
"Mike, his whole adult life has been giving back to the community and the country,” Mark said. “Mike has always stepped up and answered the call when others needed help and he's always done it quietly and professionally."
Broderick's death comes as the Des Moines Fire Department is in the middle of a campaign to secure better benefits for firefighters who develop cancer.
On Tuesday, Des Moines Firefighters page published a video of Broderick filmed before his death. In the video, Broderick shares his experience of being diagnosed with cancer.
"It's a crazy deal," he said in the video. "I lived a healthy lifestyle, worked out, did all the things you're supposed to be doing right. It's just a bad set of circumstances, cards that you're dealt."
While there are hundreds of diagnosable cancers, Iowa law only provides firefighters presumed disability coverage for 14 types of cancer. In addition, research suggests firefighters are at higher risk of certain types of cancers in comparison to the general public, according to the CDC.
That's why Des Moines firefighters are asking the Iowa legislature to consider comprehensive cancer coverage for firefighters. Broderick said this type of coverage would be a "gamechanger" for other firefighters.
"And it's not just because of me, because it won't benefit me, any of this stuff," Broderick said in the video. "But I feel like I need to bring awareness to people that this really affects people. It's not just my life, it's our children and our wives life that have to carry on after we pass away."
Broderick is survived by his wife and four teenage daughters. In addition, Broderick's coworkers intend to continue fighting for other firefighters like Broderick facing their own cancer battles.
"We love you Mike Broderick and will continue to fight the fight in your honor, and be the men and women you would want us to be," Des Moines Firefighters wrote on Facebook.