HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The death of a 10-year-old boy has shaken Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews, the organization shared Sunday on social media.
Mason Fox, the son of HCFR Driver Engineer Mike Fox and nephew of Captain Joe Fox, died following a battle with cancer. He was just 10 years old.
Mason was reportedly diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia, a rare blood cancer that Moffitt Cancer Center says starts in the bone marrow and affects white blood cells.
Back in November, Mason was honored by the Tampa Bay Lightning during its annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night in partnership with Moffitt. Mason was able to take part in the pre-game ceremonial puck drop. In a release at the time, the NHL team said Mason was a participant in the Lightning Made Youth Hockey Program.
In a touching tribute on Facebook, the organization shared photos of Mason and explained what he meant to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.
"Mike Fox and Captain Joe Fox (Mason’s Uncle) have touched everyone in the HCFR family by allowing us to meet Mason as he battled through his treatments," the Facebook post read in part. "Mason and his family have made a lasting impact on all of us."
The fire rescue organization said its members are offering "full support and understanding to the family as they come to terms with their devastating loss."
"Mason, we love you and know you are pain-free now," HCFR said. "God bless Mason, God bless the Fox Family, and God bless our HCFR family."
In a show of solidarity, Plant City Fire Rescue also shared its condolences and shared how Mason touched so many people with his "courageous" and "resilient" spirit that kept him fighting.
"Mason's battle with cancer showcased not only his incredible courage but also the strength and unity of the Fox family throughout the most challenging times," PCFR's Facebook post said in part.
"As we share this heartbreaking news, we also want to honor Mason's memory by acknowledging the love, resilience, and spirit he embodied," the post continued. "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the entire Fox family, HCFR, and everyone touched by Mason's remarkable life."