A longtime Issaquah firefighter passed away Monday morning from complications of cancer.

Michael Raymond VanDenBergh, 47, was diagnosed with “duty-related” cancer five years ago, according to a statement from Eastside Fire and Rescue.

Firefighters may have a higher likelihood of developing cancers of the respiratory, digestive and urinary systems as well as a mesothelioma risk double that of the U.S. population, according to data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Since 2010, the Centers for Disease Control sub-agency has studied 30,000 firefighters who served between 1950 and 2010.

“Even though the industry has made huge strides in raising awareness and getting in place many measures to avoid or reduce contracting debilitating and sometimes deadly ailments, this risk still haunts us all,” Fire Chief Lee Soptich said.

VanDenBergh spent most of his career in Issaquah. Deputy Chief Wes Collins recalled interviewing VanDenBergh when he applied to join Issaquah’s fire department and again after Eastside Fire and Rescue had incorporated. He had a passion for serving the community and always left his fellow firefighters with a smile, Collins said.

“Mike was an accomplished EMT, firefighter, driver and acting officer,” Soptich said. “He was reliable, dedicated and met every criteria required to be numbered as a true public servant.”

VanDenBergh is survived by his wife Renee and children Ethan and Sophie. Memorial services are being planned.