Charles Ronald Cato

Charles Ronald Cato passed away on May 30th 2024. Battalion Chief Cato had been diagnosed with brain cancer after his years of firefighting duty for several agencies in Eastern Washington and finally succumbed to the disease after a year-long battle. (While cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death while on duty, cancer is now the leading cause of line of duty deaths for firefighters.) Active for decades in service to his community working at all levels of Fire and EMS, Battalion Chief Cato touched the lives of thousands of patients in his time with these agencies. Most recently he was a career Battalion Chief with Pend Oreille County Fire District 2 and a volunteer Captain with Spokane County Fire District 10. Battalion Chief Cato had also been an EMS educator, Boy Scout leader, fire department explorer post advisor and director of Spokane Valley ambulance. Ron embodied the quintessential qualities of a first responder selfless dedicated courageous and kind. His devotion to the trade; sincere compassion for those he helped; And wisdom he imparted to his fellow firefighters will never be forgotten.

As was his spirit, Ron valiantly lived out his remaining days. In his final fight, Ron tirelessly advocated for the State of Washington to provide L&I assistance for all volunteer firefighters diagnosed with service-related cancer.

Ron’s legacy endures on through the mentorship he provided to countless firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics that are serving the Inland Northwest and beyond. Two first responders of which include his own children, Chris and Sarah.

In one final selfless act of service, Battalion Chief Cato chose to donate his organs to those

desperately in need of them. Ron is survived by his wife of 50 years Debbie their children Chris and Sarah (Robert) and his grandsons Charlie, Brennen and Joey. Ron was known by many names: husband, son, dad, lieutenant, captain, chief, but his greatest name was papa to his grandchildren.

Services will be held on June 21st with a Procession at Noon, and Memorial Service at Calvary Chapel (North) at 1:00 pm in Spokane, WA.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network or Hospice of Spokane.