Palmer is mourning the loss of Fire Chief Chad Cameron, a career firefighter whose leadership and service shaped departments in both Juneau and Palmer, Alaska.
His death, after a long illness, was announced Tuesday by Palmer Fire & Rescue, which described him as a man who dedicated “his entire life serving others” and whose impact on the community “will last forever.”
“One could only hope to love others and serve the way this man did. The impact Chief made on the lives of so many will echo throughout eternity,” wrote Christopher Walsh on Facebook.
Cameron came to Palmer in late 2020 after more than two decades with Capital City Fire/Rescue in Juneau. A 25-year member of that department, he had risen through the ranks after starting as a volunteer, even living at the downtown station in his early years. He was promoted quickly, took on leadership roles early in his career, and became known as a steady presence in training, operations, and mentoring younger firefighters.
When the Palmer fire chief position opened, Cameron said at the time that he had not been looking to leave Juneau, but the opportunity to serve a growing community appealed to him. He took over responsibility for fire and rescue operations across Palmer and the surrounding area, home to roughly 29,000 residents.
His departure from Juneau had been marked by deep affection for the people he worked with and the traditions he helped shape. He spoke openly about how much he would miss the Juneau fire and rescue community, who he considered “family,” the annual Santa Run he helped organize, and his involvement with local Boy Scouts. Even as he stepped into new duties in Palmer, he said a part of his heart would always remain in Juneau.
In its announcement, Palmer Fire & Rescue remembered Cameron as someone who loved people, led with compassion, and embodied the values of public service. His colleagues emphasized that while he is gone, the imprint he left on the department and the broader community will endure.
Funeral plans and details about memorial observances have not yet been announced.
