The International Association of Fire Fighters has reported that a new documentary, “Dying to Save You,” follows three fire captains from Phoenix, Arizona, who have battled occupational cancer.
The 27-minute film, created in partnership with the 493 Firefighter Foundation and Phoenix Local 493, highlights the health consequences faced by long-serving firefighters.
The documentary, directed by Patrick Gramm, features Capt. Bill Rini, Capt. Tommy Sagnella, and the late Capt. Anthony Mock, each of whom was diagnosed with occupational cancer during or after their service.
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, retired Phoenix Fire Capt. Bill Rini discusses his experiences in the film, including daily struggles with the impacts of cancer.
Rini said: “When I first got into firefighting back in 1989, we never worried about the smoke, we never worried about the carcinogens that were soaking into our skin. That’s your base for every type of cancer that we’re getting.”
Rini was diagnosed with occupational cancer in 1999 and has faced three more diagnoses since. He said in the film: “The cancer this last time around broke me. That’s the first time I’ve said that out loud.”
Phoenix Local 493 President Bryan Willingham told the International Association of Fire Fighters that repeated cancer diagnoses have had a devastating effect on Rini’s quality of life.
Willingham said: “We don’t want another fire fighter, or anyone really, to go through that.”
Local 493 Secretary and Capt. Scott Crowley added: “In the film, Rini talks about being told he can’t ride the truck anymore. That day comes for all of us, but many don’t get to choose it, and maybe that fear is why some hesitate to get screened for cancer.”
The International Association of Fire Fighters reported that Capt. Anthony Mock discovered he had stage 4 cancer after a routine screening and later passed away in January 2025 at the age of 39.
Crowley said: “Anthony Mock was a delegate at last year’s convention in Boston. He had already been diagnosed, and during the opening ceremony, as the names of fallen fire fighters were displayed, he turned to us and said, ‘My name will be up there next year.’”
Following Mock’s death, more than 400 Arizona firefighters scheduled cancer screenings, demonstrating the influence of his story across the state.
The International Association of Fire Fighters has reported the release of the documentary “Dying to Save You.”
The film follows three Phoenix fire captains diagnosed with occupational cancer.
Capt. Bill Rini, Capt. Tommy Sagnella, and the late Capt. Anthony Mock share personal stories in the documentary.
Rini discusses daily medical challenges after multiple cancer diagnoses.
Local 493 President Bryan Willingham emphasized the need to address firefighter quality of life issues.
Capt. Scott Crowley highlighted the reluctance among firefighters to get early screenings.
Sagnella’s early cancer detection led to successful treatment.
Mock’s diagnosis at a routine screening and his passing at age 39 influenced hundreds of firefighters to seek screenings.
After Mock’s death, Arizona firefighters lined up to honor his family.
The documentary aims to support firefighter advocacy efforts across the United States.
IAFF 10th District Vice President Stephen Gilman praised the film’s role in raising awareness about firefighter cancer.
