It’s my honor to welcome you to this month’s supplement on Cancer Awareness & Prevention. There is no question that cancer has become an epidemic in the fire service—an epidemic that requires immediate action among all firefighters.
On Aug. 22, 2014, a close friend of mine, Battalion Chief Tod Heil of Savannah, GA, Fire & Emergency Services, was struck by cancer and taken from us far too early. Tod’s actions and the way he performed exemplified what I consider to be a modern-day Superman in the American fire service. Unfortunately, the modern-day Superman met modern-day Kryptonite—cancer. Too many of us have shared this experience of losing someone close to us.
This supplement is designed to inform you about some of the ongoing research and projects that are out there to heighten the awareness of cancer in the fire service, and also the preventative measures that are being put forth. Los Angeles County Firefighter Mike Dubron, founder of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, shares advice for navigating a cancer diagnosis. Captain Tony Stefani, founder and president of the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, talks about the need for cultural change in the fire service as it relates to our chemical exposure risks. And Matt Vinci, director of education for the IAFF, addresses the role of advocacy in protecting firefighters from flame-retardant chemicals.
We are also introducing you to members of the fire service who have gone down that tough and difficult road in the battle with cancer. Captain Roderick Thompson of the Scottsdale, AZ, Fire Department underscores that cancer is nothing to be whispered about. Chief Dennis Compton, chairman of the board of directors for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, shares his journey with cancer and how his diagnosis changed his life. And Chief Jim Seavey, Sr., of the Cabin John Park, MD, Volunteer Fire Department looks at how the modern fire environment has changed and offers a powerful message to the newest generation of firefighters.
Through it all, we see that there is hope.
Take the time to read through this, share it with your crew, and then take immediate action to protect yourself and all the firefighters you work with each and every day.
On behalf of Firehouse, I would like to thank our Keystone Sponsor, MSA, and all of our Cornerstone Sponsors for supporting us with this project and helping firefighters stay safe each and every day.
— Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach
