AUGUSTA – The chief of Augusta’s fire department is dead at 43.

Lawrence Bradley died Wednesday at a Connecticut hospital after a two-year battle with cancer.

Bradley joined the Augusta Fire Department three years ago. Before that, he was the fire chief in Gardiner.

Bradley remained focused on his job even when he was in the hospital, said Augusta city manager William Bridgeo.

Bradley is survived by his wife, Diana, and three sons.

Bradley served as president of the Maine Fire Chiefs Association last year and was named Chief of the Year by the Maine Fire Chiefs Association this fall.