EMMAUS, Pa. — Tributes poured in Tuesday for another Lehigh Valley firefighter lost to occupational cancer.
April Lubenetski, 51, died on Monday after a nearly yearlong cancer battle.
Lubenetski served the citizens of Lehigh Township since 2008 as a volunteer firefighter, and also was an Emmaus borough master firefighter.
“April has dedicated more than two decades of her life serving the citizens of Emmaus and surrounding areas of Lehigh County.Emmaus Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 5004 Facebook post
“It is with profound sadness that the members of Local 5004 announce that Master Firefighter April Lubenetski, a 24-year veteran of the department, has died in the line of duty,” the Emmaus Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 5004 said in a statement on Facebook.
“Despite the tireless efforts of her dedicated team of medical professionals, her nearly yearlong battle with occupational cancer ended [Monday] evening, surrounded by family and friends.”
“April has dedicated more than two decades of her life serving the citizens of Emmaus and surrounding areas of Lehigh County.
"During her tenure, April served with steadfast courage, unwavering determination, and honor. Her character, compassion, and dedication to her fellow firefighters shall never be forgotten.
"We stand together to mourn the loss of a true hero and amazing woman."
'Will never be forgotten'
Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company also offered a tribute to Lubenetski.
“Despite April's sudden diagnosis and willful fight, she would be still seen at the department dedicating herself at various events that physically allowed her to still serve the community,” a Faceobok post said.
“Her commitment and dedication to public safety will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to all of those who served by her side."Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company Facebook post
“Her commitment and dedication to public safety will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to all of those who served by her side. We ask the public keep her husband Shawn and her family in your prayers during this tragic time.”
Capt. Shawn Lubenetski is a firefighter who has served decades with Emmaus and at Lehigh Valley International Airport.
Fellow firefighters offered messages of remembrance and support online days after escorting April Lubenetski to hospice care.
That procession on Friday night included Emmaus, Lehigh Township and Bethlehem firefighters, along with local police.
Cancer rates among firefighters
April Lubenetski is among several area firefighters whose recent deaths have been attributed to job-related cancer.
Fire Marshal Jeff Tomczak died August 2024 at his Upper Gwynedd Township, Montgomery County, home after a 15-month battle with cancer.
Tomczak, 44, a father of two, spent more than half his life serving at fire departments in the region, including Allentown.
His death came a little over a year after the passing of Chris Kiskeravage, Allentown’s former assistant chief for training.
Kiskeravage suffered from pancreatic cancer and had overcome testicular cancer about 10 years before. He believed his illnesses were job-related, friends and family said.
Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the Bethlehem Fire Department last month to detail proposed investments aimed at supporting Pennsylvania’s first responders, including annual cancer screenings to be covered by the state, as firefighters face constant exposure to cancer-causing chemicals on the job.
Studies by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the CDC have shown that firefighters have a significantly higher risk of developing and dying from cancer than the general population.
