Newport Beach Fire Captain Alan Schmehl lost his battle with occupational cancer on August 27, 2003, after dedicating 29 years to the profession he was proud to serve. Captain Schmehl's distinguished career included assignments as firefighter, firefighter paramedic, fire captain, and deputy battalion chief. He was instrumental in the establishment of Newport Beach Fire Department's Hazardous Material Response Team, and was recognized in 1996 as Newport Beach Firefighter of the Year. Captain Schmehl was 52 years old.