Firefighter Cancer
The cancer resource page features news, information, videos, podcasts and feature articles about this massive health issue facing the fire service.
Legislation signed by Governor Maura Healey will require manufacturers to disclose if they are using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Adopt a Firefighter is working to fund cancer detection among firefighters in three cities
Firefighter Shawn Calvey, 37, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in May 2023
Lt. Edith Torres was off-duty when the World Trade Center was struck, but she responded regardless
Doctors told firefighter Matt Sellers he had a 30 percent chance to live
When asked if he would still join the fire service knowing he’d get cancer, he said “absolutely”
Sara Thomas, 41, was a 16-year veteran firefighter and well-known throughout the community
Crews are pushing for a revised version of a bill, which limits eligibility to cancer-stricken firefighters living tobacco-free for five years prior to diagnosis
The bill requires that firefighters working for at least a year with a department receive a lump payment if diagnosed with certain cancers
The test detects a protein in the blood that is present in malignant cells
Brandon Thibeau, 22, was named his department’s Firefighter of the Year in 2016; he died from cancer last week
Brandon Thibeau, 22, was remembered as motivated, compassionate and strong-willed
A video captured Chief Henri Moore’s arrival and included numerous messages from colleagues wishing him well
Sara Thomas, 41, leaves behind her 7-year-old twin daughters
Firefighter Brian J. Masterson, 61, died of esophageal cancer; he leaves behind a wife and three children
Families of volunteer firefighter and volunteer ambulance workers who are killed in the line of duty would receive payment of death benefits
Fire Chief John Ruh said Halina Kline, 56, acted as a “mom to everyone”
Marnell Griffin served the St. Louis Fire Department for 22 years
A GoFundMe account has raised over $7,000 for Rayse Richardson’s medical costs
Danny Slusher joined the Hurricane Creek Fire Department in 1995; colleagues said he will be difficult to replace
Jimmy Hendryx’s cancer is considered a presumptive illness for firefighters under state law
After breathing into a mask for 10 minutes, beagles will smell each sample for signs of cancer
With no conclusive data on if firefighter cancer prevention measures work, it begs the question if the steps are worth the effort
Firefighters across five states coordinated a modern brigade to get a motorized scooter and a lift to Battalion Chief David “Chico” Creasy
After leaving the fire service, firefighters could receive up to five years of coverage for an illness
First responders across several states saluted the vehicle carrying Chief Gary Wentzell’s ashes
The state currently covers seven types of cancer it assumes firefighters get from their job
Firefighters gathered at the station to share stories and memories after receiving news of Chief Wentzell’s death
Charles “Chuck” Flickinger, 56, participated in the response and relief effort during Hurricane Katrina and responded to the Sept. 11 attacks
Jason Abalos, 35, medically retired in 2015 after his disease limited his abilities
During Warren Cummings’ time as chief, city officials said the department saw many equipment upgrades
Although there are limitations to the law, it offers coverage to those who are diagnosed with cancer due to their profession
The department said they plan to raise a ladder truck, issue a badge and give a final salute during Caden Dunn’s memorial service
