Longtime Rural Metro Fire Capt. Scott Ferguson dies

Capt. Scott Ferguson, who served three decades with Rural Metro Fire Department and was known as an accomplished musician in his off-time, died Sept. 8. He was 57.

On Aug. 27, Ferguson became ill while on duty, and was left in very critical condition, said Battalion Chief John Walka. He died of a cardiac event at Banner-University Medical Center Tucson surrounded by his family and fellow firefighters.

Ferguson was assigned to Station 72 at 2741 N. Houghton Road, north of East Tanque Verde Road. Before joining Rural Metro, he served two years with the Houston Fire Department, said Walka.

“He climbed the ranks here and began as a reserve firefighter. He also worked as an emergency medical technician and worked at all eight fire stations in Pima County. In 1997, he was promoted to fire captain,” recalled Walka of his friend.

“Captain Ferguson was probably one of the most caring individuals. He was one of the best teachers and mentors for firefighters. He had a lot of experience in all phases of fire service, including fighting structure fires, extrication and emergency medical services. He shared his experiences with everyone,” said Walka of the department’s most senior captain.

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He said his “work ethic, reputation and personality impacted people” and this was evident “over the past week as long-time friends and colleagues from across the country offered their support.”

When Ferguson was not working, he played with several Tucson musicians, including Billy Scroggs, a country rock artist and former Rural Metro firefighter.

Ferguson played keyboards, guitar, bass, drums and wrote music. “He was a big fan of The Beatles,” said Walka. When he wasn’t playing music, he was watching University of Arizona softball.

He is survived by his mother, Kathryn Ferguson, of Tucson; brother, Steven Ferguson, of Houston, Texas; aunts, uncles, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ferguson will be honored with a line-of-duty-death funeral service, which includes a procession of fire trucks About 200 firefighters representing Southern Arizona departments are expected.

Services are set for Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m. at Calvary Church, 8711 E. Speedway.