Tag: Cancer

When Gina Burke started her career as a fire fighter in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, in 1992, decontamination was something done after hazmat calls, but not fires.

Sara McMullin is known for helping others discover suitable insurance policies, but she found herself in a different role five years ago when her husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. Now, she shares her personal story to emphasize why IAFF members should prepare for their financial future. Read our FAQ in part two of this three-part series to learn more about supplemental insurance.

In a heartwarming act of kindness, 4-year-old Jayce, a resilient Michigan native who battled kidney disease and recently underwent a life-changing transplant, saw his dream of becoming a fire fighter come to life thanks to the collaborative efforts of St. Clair Shores, MI Local 1744 members and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

A New Hampshire pilot program for fire fighter cancer screenings in Manchester has already saved a life.  

A chance comment to his family doctor at the end of a routine physical likely saved Derek Balcaen’s life.

Cancer among fire fighters remains the primary cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. Alongside the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), the IAFF is sounding the alarm on prevention inside the firehouse, during decontamination (decon), and on the fireground during Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month.