Fairfax County Firefighter Dies from Occupational Cancer

Master Technician Raul Perla served the department for nearly 28 years before retiring in 2023.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 1:09am

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The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department announced the line-of-duty death of Master Technician Raul Perla on March 5, 2026, due to occupational cancer. Perla was a dedicated firefighter and member of the department's urban search and rescue and technical rescue teams, deploying to numerous domestic and international disasters over his career. He also served in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.

Why it matters

Occupational cancer is a growing concern for firefighters, who face increased exposure to carcinogens and toxic substances on the job. Perla's death highlights the need for improved safety protocols and support for firefighters dealing with the long-term health impacts of their service.

The details

Master Technician Perla joined the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in 1996 as part of Recruit Class 91. He was a long-time member of the department's urban search and rescue and technical rescue teams, deploying to 12 domestic and international disasters. Perla was known internationally for his work as a US&R instructor, member of the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team, and leader of simulated disaster exercises worldwide. He retired from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in December 2023.

  • Master Technician Perla joined the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in 1996.
  • Perla retired from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in December 2023.
  • Perla passed away on March 5, 2026.

The players

Raul Perla

Master Technician with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, who served the department for nearly 28 years before retiring in 2023. He was a dedicated firefighter and member of the department's urban search and rescue and technical rescue teams.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

The fire and rescue department serving Fairfax County, Virginia, which announced the line-of-duty death of Master Technician Raul Perla.

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The takeaway

Perla's death from occupational cancer underscores the need for improved safety protocols and support for firefighters, who face increased exposure to carcinogens and toxic substances in the line of duty. His dedication and service to the Fairfax County community will be long remembered.