LOS ANGELES — Actor Randolph Mantooth, best known for his role as firefighter and medic John Gage in NBC’s “Emergency!” television series during the 1970s, has died at age 80 after a long illness, his family said Friday.

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Mantooth’s role and the show, which ran for five years, changed the way that first responders were seen on TV, his family said.

“The series helped introduce the public to paramedics and emergency medicine, inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in EMS and firefighting,” the family said in a statement. “Its influence extended far beyond entertainment, contributing to greater recognition of emergency medical services throughout the country.”

“Emergency!” featured a crew from Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 51. It ran from January 1972 until May 1977. There were also made-for-television movies that aired until 1979.

A spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department said Friday that Mantooth will be remembered as a part of the legacy of the department and firefighters everywhere.

“Randolph Mantooth was the face of the Los Angeles County Fire Department for an entire generation. Talk to any fire buff of a certain age, and Johnny Gage riding Squad 51 is the stuff of legend,” Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Aaron Katon said.

Mantooth was born in Sacramento, California, on Sept. 19, 1945. He earned a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, his family said.

He appeared in the 2003 off-Broadway show “Rain Dance,” a play by Lanford Wilson, which also featured actor James Van Der Beek.

Mantooth was of Seminole descent, according to IMDB. He played a military police officer and former Native American dancer in the production, which profiles people on the night before the testing of the atomic bomb in New Mexico, Backstage reported at the time.

While known for the television show, “Randy remained devoted to theater throughout his career,” his family said.

“Beyond acting, Randy’s bond with the emergency services community became one of the most meaningful parts of his life,” Mantooth’s family said in the statement. “He dedicated himself to honoring firefighters and paramedics ensuring that their courage, sacrifice, and humanity were recognized.”