Salem Fire Captain Dies After Long Battle with Cancer

Salem Fire Capt. Stephen J. McKenna died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 54 years old.

The Salem Fire Department announced McKenna's passing on Wednesday morning.

McKenna was appointed to the Salem Fire Department on Jan. 26, 2003 and promoted through the ranks of paramedic, lieutenant, station officer, and captain/shift commander. He was the rescue program coordinator at the New Hampshire Fire Academy for many years, a member of the Urban Search and Rescue Massachusetts Task Force 1, and a past member of the Keene and Westmoreland fire departments.

"Steve touched many lives throughout his career and his passing will leave a large void in the New Hampshire fire service community," Fire Chief Kevin J. Breen and IAFF Local 2892 President Brian S. Murray said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Nancy, his sons Doug and Dan, and his family during this difficult time."

Wake and funeral service arrangements will be announced when they are available.