Firefighter Cancer
The cancer resource page features news, information, videos, podcasts and feature articles about this massive health issue facing the fire service.
The national database aims to close the gap in firefighter cancer research
After Allentown Firefighter Jeff Tomczak died of pancreatic cancer, his wife and IAFF leaders urge legislators to fund comprehensive screenings, remove PFAS from gear and foam and pass bipartisan protections
The state is backing research into firefighting and cancer, citing 9/11-scale exposure concerns and developing stronger protections for crews battling wildfires near cities
“NFPA’s process is the gold standard for standards development and involves a proven, consensus-based approach,” said Vice President Lorraine Carli
The proposal has been disputed by insurance firms and municipal interest groups who fear the bill would overburden towns and workers’ compensation insurers
“The very gear designed to protect firefighters, to keep us safe, is killing us,” said General President Edward Kelly, calling the NFPA standard that requires PFAS needless
Is it time to reconsider the levels of risk in light of everything we now know about the exposure risks we face on the fireground?
Firefighters will have access to peer counselors and clinicians, physicals and medical tests
The measure also includes members of the military who responded to 9/11 in Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, unlike the original legislation
Erie Firefighter Michael Smith “was a hard-working firefighter always going above and beyond no matter what was asked of him,” IAFF Local 293 posted
UFA President Andrew Ansbro has started talking with Commissioner Laura Kavanagh to ramp up the cleaning of bunker gear after e-bike battery fires
The first firefighter-influencer of the modern era shares how his early speaking nerves transformed into a love of making comedy videos
We can honor our past and maintain our traditions without dismissing new, better and safer ways of doing the job
Neil Carlberg was a Bellingham firefighter for 33 years, retired in 2011 and died of esophageal cancer in 2018
Since the Defense Department published performance specifications for PFAS-free foams in January, this may be the year when airports start making the switch
Rancho Cucamonga Engineer Miguel Cervantes worked in the fire service for more than 20 years
The International Association of Arson Investigators intends to use the data to better understand and characterize risks and exposures
“He touched many lives in his short time with the department,” the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York wrote
The union has retained a trio of prominent “toxic tort law” firms to demand changes to PPE and to explore compensation for firefighters and their families
Virginia, Nebraska, Connecticut and Mississippi could change how the benefits are paid or which diagnoses are covered
The big stories, hot takes and moments that moved us from the month
Frank Nunez went home from the hospital with his fiancé and their dog in September
Most of the London crewmembers’ cancers are digestive varieties or leukemia
From initial diagnosis through treatment and, ultimately, the feeling of rain on my scalp
Jeffrey DiDomenico served with the department for nearly 18 years
Glendale Firefighter Mark Fowl “will be deeply missed,” the department said in a Facebook post
Gain insight into the future of firefighting PPE standards with Jeff Stull as he answers FireRescue1 readers’ most pressing inquiries
Fire service leaders address size-up, situational awareness, roadway safety, proper PPE, complacency, go/no-go decision-making and more
“I’m sure it’s going to help save lives,” said Garnell Whitfield, Buffalo’s former fire commissioner
Mark Schmidt served with the Kern County Fire Department for 17 years
Orlando has spent nearly $35,000 so far on legal fees for the case against District Chief Scott Suehle and another firefighter
Arizona researchers will work with firefighters as they build on prior findings and possible prevention opportunities
Recent actions (and cautious optimism) suggest a finely tuned performance ahead from our fire service organizations
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