Chief Deputy Fire Marshal John Dorff died as the result of cancer he developed after responding to investigate a fire at a mine storage facility. He was exposed to hazardous materials including high levels of benzene. In 1994, Deputy Dorff was diagnosed with leukemia and died due to the disease on May 30, 1995.

Chief Deputy Dorff was a U.S. Army veteran. He had previously served with the Burbank Police Department, California, and the Carson City Juvenile Justice Center. He is survived by his wife, son, mother, brother, and sister.