PEORIA, Ariz. — The Phoenix Fire Department honored one of their own at a Peoria high school football game.
Hundreds from all over the Valley came out in full force to cheer on Broden Cauthorn as he took the field during Liberty High School's football game. It's the first game he played without his biggest fan in the stands.
Broden's father, Adam Cauthron, died after a sudden health emergency while off duty last week according to the Phoenix Fire Department. He had served as a Firefighter Paramedic for 18 years and was a member of FEMA's Arizona Task Force 1. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Many were seen carrying signs and wearing shirts with Cauthron's name. His brother Chris Pardi and his wife Ali incredibly grateful for the love and support their family has received. Seeing so many firefighters attend the game brought Ali to tears.
"I think it would show him how much he meant to everybody,” Chris said.
"To see it like this, we're just really grateful for all the community support," Ali said.
Dave Cauthron, Adam's father, also overwhelmed with the love and support showed by so many.
"This happened so fast, we weren't expecting it and the support here I can't even believe it," Dave said.
Adam would attend every single one of his son's football games his dad said. To keep his memory alive Dave made a special seat that has "Reserved in loving memory of Adam Cauthron" written on it.
"This seat will be at every game, and Broden can see it from the from the field," Dave said.
That way, there will always be a spot for him to watch his son play.
“I know Adam's looking down and he's proud," Dave said.
Broden dominated on defense. He made several key tackles that led to Liberty High School defeating Chandler High School 47 to 28.
The department is expected to share details about his memorial service in the coming days. A GoFundMe has been organized to help support Cauthron's family.
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