Newport Beach Police Department, California
End of Watch: Sunday, November 16, 1997
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: 26 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Duty related illness
Date of Incident: February 22, 1987
Weapon Used: Toxic chemicals
Suspect Info: Not available
Sergeant Steve Van Horn died as the result of leukemia that developed after he responded to a toxic chemical fire on February 22nd, 1987.
The fire broke out at the Hixson Metal Finishing Company plant at 829 Production Place. The fire engulfed a 10,000 square-foot warehouse that stored over 140 different chemicals.
Sergeant Van Horn coordinated traffic and evacuation at the scene without protective gear and was exposed to the toxic chemicals. After the fire, Sergeant Van Horn and three firefighters were diagnosed with cancer in January 1995. Sergeant Van Horn passed away from the illness on November 16, 1997. One other firefighter has also passed away. The city of Newport Beach proclaimed his illness and death duty related.
Sergeant Van Horn had served with the Newport Police Department for 24 years and previously served with the Yuma Police Department (Arizona). He is survived by his wife and six children.