GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- The Green Bay Metro Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its own.

Tyler Kreiter, a 43-year-old engineer/paramedic, died Thursday following a battle with cancer. He was with GBMFD for 17 years.

"As Tyler struggled with cancer over the last three years, I do not remember a single day where he complained or thought of anything else besides his service and how he could do better to our community," said GBMFD Chief Matthew Knott.

The city and the department are now finding ways to honor and remember Kreiter's service. Members of the fire department are wearing black bands on their badges, and there is bunting outside the fire station where Kreiter worked as a sign of mourning.

"Tyler was an incredible member of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, well respected by all of his colleagues. A hero to them, a hero to his family, a hero to the City of Green Bay," said Mayor Eric Genrich.

Despite his illness, Chief Knott tells FOX 11 that Kreiter worked a shift at his regular Fire Station 6 on Green Bay's westside just last week.

"Tyler leaves behind a wife and three children, as well as his brothers and sisters on the Green Bay Metro Fire Department. The entire department is standing alongside the family during this difficult time and our full attention is focused on meeting their needs," Knott said.

The International Association of Fire Fighters says occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty death in the fire service.

Knott says cancer rates among firefighters are at an all-time high due to the exposures they face daily. Firefighters are 14 times more likely to die from cancer than the general public.

The Green Bay Metro Fire Department has referred to Kreiter's death as "line of duty" and it is moving forward with the appropriate agencies to ensure the proper avenue and paths are provided for Kreiter's family after his death.

Funeral arrangements are pending. GBMFD says it will release more information when it becomes available.