IAFF Peer Fitness Trainer Loses Battle With Cancer

June 3, 2008 – It is with great sadness that the IAFF reports the death of fire fighter Marty Hauer, a member of Kent, WA Local 1747 and an IAFF Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT). Hauer, who devoted his entire career to the promotion of health and wellness and advocated for early detection, succumbed to cancer. He spent the last five years on the development of a regional wellness center designed to serve many fire departments in the Seattle, Kent and Tacoma areas.

Ironically, Brother Hauer contracted a rare form of cancer that was not detected in pre-screening. As he battled with his illness during the past few months, he continued with his service to the IAFF -- as recently as two weeks ago when he staffed the IAFF Wellness Fitness Booth at the Phoenix Health, Wellness and Fitness Symposium.

Hauer always held that early detection through annual medical and fitness evaluations is key to fire fighters health and safety. He always said, “The issue here is why go to the doctor and learn you’re very sick when you can go to the doctor and keep from getting very sick. With each win is another chance at life.”

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger says, “The IAFF greatly appreciated Brother Hauer's contributions to the Peer Fitness Trainer program and the entire Wellness Fitness Initiative. He was a great human being who served as a model for us all.”