January symbolizes the start of the new year, and this year it also means something special. Firefighter Cancer Support Network the IAFF in 2023 announced that starting in 2024, the month of January would be known as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide fire fighters with tools to develop life-saving protocols. Strathroy-Caradoc Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Beasley says the recognition is important for a variety of reasons.
Beasley says Strathroy-Caradoc Council has been very supportive of the health and safety of the fire fighters and have been taking great steps towards the future.
Beasley says this new awareness month comes after 63% of the names added to the 2023 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Wall were members who had died from occupational cancer.
Beasley adds the fire fighters and the department are very appreciated of the ongoing community support.
Written by: C. Soares
