A veteran Redding Firefighter has passed away unexpectedly, bringing shock and sadness to his colleagues. Captain Kevin Ward began his career with the Redding Fire Department in 1988 and served the community for more than 30 years. Chief Gerry Grey tells us he was a man bigger than life, and a pillar of the RFD. He leaves behind a wife, 2 sons, and grandchildren. His cause of death is not officially determined but the Firefighters Association said he suffered work-related cancer. As happens far too frequently with firefighters, Captain Ward only got to enjoy 2 years of his retirement before he died.