Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Capt. Scott Leatham died this week and was honored Friday by city officials during a ceremony.

Interim Chief Deputy City Manager Greg Ruiz hired Leatham.

"For people like Scott, being a firefighter is so much more than a job. It’s a call to service. It’s part of who they are,” he said.

“His love of his family extended to the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue family and to our whole city. And our city is a better place for it."

Leatham was hired to join the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department in February 2013 and was promoted to captain paramedic in February 2022. He was a technical rescue technician, SWAT medic and a member of the dive team.

"He served with courage, strength, dignity and heart, acting as a role model for all of us. He made us better and saved many lives in his work," Interim Fire Chief Darrell Duty said.

The 39-year-old firefighter is survived by his wife Ashley and children Kaden, 15, and Kali, 12.

Mike Scheidt of Tempe Firefighters Local 493 invited the community to support the family. A GoFundMe account has been set up in Capt. Leatham's name:  Fundraiser for Ashley Leatham by Doug Myers : Support Captain Scott Leatham's Fight Against Cancer

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