Cory ’ s stated bliss in his career was actually surprising to some who knew him best . During his County Fire training tower , he had suffered a fall that resulted in several fractured vertebrae , leading to surgery , hardware in his spine and tremendous pain . It also required subsequent surgeries when the physical requirements of the job would damage this hardware . The injury rendered his life as one that is governed by pain management and avoidance of re-aggravating his injured back . Through all of this he kept a positive attitude , a persistent work ethic and a desire to be successful in his career . Cory found a family in the fire service and gained some of his closest friends here at County Fire .
His medical history is why Cory did not think that much of some back pain radiating down his leg in the later months of 2015 . When the surgeons told him he had some scar tissue that was impinging on his nerves and needed to be removed , Cory felt it was business as usual . Even when he was told that he had a large hematoma right where his hardware was located , Cory thought it was no big deal . After the procedure he remarked that he had never felt better . His pain was reduced and he was able to spend Christmas with his wife and kids during his recovery .
Unfortunately , it was not a hematoma surrounding Cory ’ s lumbar spine ; rather , it was a Stage 4 tumor — malignant , large and metastasized to other parts of his body . His life , and that of his family ’ s , would be forever altered .
Cory underwent a critical surgery that removed the original tumor , which also required the removal of several affected vertebrae . He also went through countless radiation treatments and multiple rounds of intense chemotherapy . Cory suffered through many ups and downs , infections , follow-up surgeries and treatments . He was placed on a long-term home chemotherapeutic-type medication that , up to this point , is keeping the remaining cancerous tumors from progressing .
Through all of this , the “ Fight On Cory Norton ” movement was born . Immediately after Cory ’ s diagnosis many members of County Fire and Local 935 banded together to form a coalition of support . The movement reached out and garnered support from many other fire departments and labor groups . Money was raised , hospital visits were made , meals were cooked or ordered and countless other acts of service were selflessly done . As the initial rush of things settled down , the movement transitioned into a constant support model focused on helping Cory through the longterm changes that would eventually have to happen with the cancer and its treatment regimen ’ s effects on the body .
Cory initially felt that he wanted to get back on the big red fire engine and work with his family again . But as events unfolded , he realized that returning to firefighting may not be the best decision regarding his ultimate priority : taking care of his wife and kids . Cory felt that certain experiences he had in the fire service had , quite frankly , put him in the position he now faces daily . He also had to realistically reevaluate his ability to perform some of the intense physical requirements of the job . He would not put his crew in danger .
Ultimately Cory made the selfless decision to focus on his family and start the process to pursue other ways to secure a future for his wife and kids , even at the young age of 31 years old . The “ Fight On Cory Norton ” movement stood behind this difficult decision , assisting Cory with new education in a field without the intense physical ability requirements , and enlisting the professional assistance of members of his work family familiar with the medical retirement process . Cory went through necessary steps needed and was this summer finally granted a medical retirement from San Bernardino County Fire .
What would seem to be a subdued time for Cory was actually a celebrated moment of relief . Cory was overjoyed to know that he would have some stable income to take care of his family . It was not the bookend for his career that he had set in his mind early on , but it was one for which he was now surely thankful . He has never lost sight of the fact that the fire service family stood behind him through this journey . He knows that his experience , although tragic , was made more endurable through the actions of his family , fire family , and countless others that contributed to the cause .
Cory thanks FIREWIRE for staying with his story . For this final update he would have just had me list every single person who contributed in any way possible to helping him through this , but there wouldn ’ t be enough room . However , Cory did want me to express how humbled he is for the outpouring of unwavering support from some who may not even have met him ; he will be forever thankful .
In retirement , Cory will continue to call attention to fire service cancer . He hopes to have at least left a series of changes in his wake that will ensure that others that face circumstances similar to his will have a game plan in place to make the road a little easier . Cory wholeheartedly believes that his cancer was a direct result of exposures linked to a fire service career , and hopes that everyone will take one extra second in their day to consider protective measures as they go through their seemingly mundane work activities . Control the circumstances you can control . He wishes everyone the best . He loved the fire service and wants everyone else to live his dream of a career and not take it for granted .
Cory , we here at County Fire are not saying goodbye to you , but farewell . We love you , Tawni , Cole , and Tenley . You have left a mark on San Bernardino County Fire that cannot be removed . Once a firefighter always a firefighter ! Stop by anytime for a cup of coffee and some conversation . God Bless you and as always ... Fight On Cory , Fight On !!!
* All information released with the permission of Cory Norton and his family . Engineer Jeremy Pendergraft is currently assigned to Station 22 in Spring Valley Lake . He is a Division 6 labor rep , and serves both as a member of the Local 935 Constitution & Bylaws Committee as well as co-chair of the EMS Equipment Committee . He lives in Spring Valley Lake .
Summer 2018 • FIREWIRE 21