WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- A 24-year veteran of the DC Fire and EMS Department (DCFD) passed away Wednesday while in the line of duty. DCFD said Lt. Robert J. Heaney passed away "due to an occupational illness he developed while performing his duties as a dedicated member of the DC Fire and EMS Department." He was appointed to the department on Oct. 10, 2000, and was assigned to Engine Company 14 upon his graduation. Trump pardons two former DC officers convicted in 2020 murder case At the time of his passing on Jan. 22, he was assigned to Rescue Squad 2. DCFD told DC News Now his passing was not related to a specific incident, but that Heaney "had been ill for some time." This is a developing story.