Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin, City of Raleigh | City of Raleigh - Government
Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin, City of Raleigh | City of Raleigh - Government
Cancer is a significant cause of death among firefighters in the United States, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Raleigh Fire Department is actively working to mitigate this risk.
Christy Burgess, whose late husband Nathan served as a Raleigh firefighter for 21 years, underscores the impact of cancer on firefighters and their families. Nathan began experiencing throat pain in January 2022 and was subsequently diagnosed with throat cancer. He passed away in November 2023 at the age of 49.
“When firefighters are on the scene, they often pull their hoods back and let them sit there because they might need to go back in,” Christy explains. “Or they might not wash their hands or faces right away so the cancer-causing chemicals just sit on their skin.”
To address these concerns, the Raleigh Fire Department has introduced a new truck designed to help reduce firefighters' exposure to harmful chemicals. The Rehab 12 truck is equipped with two hygiene stations where firefighters can clean their hands, faces, and necks. It also provides a space for rest and recuperation during larger fires.
Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin emphasizes the importance of taking cancer risks seriously and urges fire departments nationwide to enhance protection measures for firefighters.
“I challenge all fire chiefs and fire departments across our nation to create enhanced solutions to help reduce cancer so all firefighters can have a safe and healthy career.”
A video detailing Nathan's experience and the department's initiatives to lower cancer risks is available for viewing.
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