A veteran Austin firefighter who lost his battle with cancer last month was laid to rest on Tuesday, Austin-based media outlets reported.
Travis Maher died at the age of 49 on Wednesday, Dec. 28, from the lengthy illness that resulted from his exposure to toxic materials while working at the former World Trade Center (WTC) site after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, per his obituary.
Maher’s family, friends and colleagues bade a final farewell to him at Shoreline Church on 15201 Burnet Rd., Austin ABC affiliate KVUE reported.
Cook-Walden Funeral Home oversaw arrangements for the late Maher, a resident of Wimberley who was a 1992 graduate of Bellville High School and a 1996 graduate of Texas A&M University (TAMU).
At the time of his death, KVUE reported, Maher was a battalion chief for the Austin Fire Department (AFD).
“We are brokenhearted … [Rest in peace], Travis; see you on the top floor,” AFD said in a tweet.
KVUE reported that Maher deployed to Ground Zero by virtue of his membership of Texas Task Force One, the state's urban search and rescue team.
Aside from lending a helping hand at the site of the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil, he was deployed to numerous other disasters, the station reported.
According to Austin FOX affiliate KTBC, he is survived by his wife, Lauren, and their two sons, Riley and Maddox.
More than a week before Maher’s passing, his comrades at AFD held an event in honor of him called the "Long Walk for Travis," Austin CBS affiliate KEYE reported.
Per the report, firefighters walked more than 20 miles to every fire station and worksite Maher worked at during his quarter century with the department.
AFD Fire Specialist Robert Busby told KEYE that the walk was their way of showing Maher appreciation for his service.