Burbank, California – The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) announced today it has been selected by the Scott Safety Foundation to receive a $10,000 grant. The grant was presented on Feb. 3 at Firehouse World in San Diego.
As one of America’s leading suppliers of safety equipment to firefighters, Scott Safety embraces its commitment to give back to the communities it serves. “Occupational cancer remains a significant risk for all firefighters,” said Josh Burnheimer, marketing program manager for Scott Safety. “We are proud to support FCSN’s cancer-prevention training and new train-the-trainer program.”
FCSN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 by L.A. County Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Dubron, a survivor of stage IV colon cancer. Today, FCSN’s objective is to provide timely assistance to all fire/EMS members and their family members who have been diagnosed with cancer. FCSN offers unique expertise through its national network of peer-support mentors. FCSN also delivers extensive cancer awareness and prevention training nationwide.
Cancer is a looming personal catastrophe for every firefighter; it has become the most dangerous threat to the health and safety of America’s firefighters. Multiple studies, including a joint U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) cancer study released in 2013, have repeatedly illustrated higher rates of multiple types of cancers in firefighters compared to the general American population.
“This generous grant from the Scott Safety Foundation will support FCSN’s national cancer-prevention training and help launch our new train-the-trainer program,” said FCSN President Bryan Frieders, a division chief with Verdugo Cities (Calif.) Fire Rescue. “It’s critically important for firefighters to use their personal protective equipment, including their self-contained breathing apparatus, from initial attack through overhaul. Not wearing SCBA while in active and post-fire environments is the most dangerous voluntary activity in the fire service today.”
FCSN’s 2013 white paper, “Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service,” provides lifesaving details about recognizing and reducing firefighters’ cancer risks. It’s available as a free download from FirefighterCancerSupport.org.
About FCSN
Cancer has become the most dangerous threat to the health and safety of America’s firefighters. Since 2005, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network has provided assistance and one-on-one peer support to thousands of fire/EMS members and their families after a cancer diagnosis. FCSN, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, also educates the fire service about cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, and treatment options. For more details, please visit firefightercancersupport.org.
About Scott Safety
Scott Safety, based in Monroe, NC, is a premier manufacturer of innovative respiratory and personal protective equipment and safety devices for emergency services and first-responders, including firefighters, industrial workers, law enforcement, military, civil defense, national security and rescue teams around the world. Scott products protect thousands of individuals each day from environmental hazards that are inherent in the industries which they serve. The Scott product line includes self-contained breathing apparatus, supplied air and air-purifying respirators, gas-detection instruments, thermal-imaging cameras, and firefighter locators. For more information about Scott Safety and its range of products, please visit www.scottsafety.com.
