Firefighters Think Pink - Fire Department on a Mission to Generate Awareness and Save Lives

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue has joined the national campaign for the third year in an effort to raise awareness about the cause and money for cancer research and programs.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women and it is estimated that there are over 225,000 new cases each year and that 39,000 women will die from this disease. Approximately 2,050 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 20% will not survive. Breast cancer is not gender specific and firefighters in Montgomery County will be trading their traditional on-duty shirts for pink ones in support of breast cancer awareness throughout the month of October.

“Cancer affects millions of people worldwide and this program provides an opportunity to have an impact and make a difference in the community,” said Fire Chief Steven Lohr. “This cause is particularly important and one that, too often, strikes close to home.”

The International Association of Firefighter’s (IAFF) involvement in breast cancer awareness dates back to 2010 and was the result of "Resolution 21" at the 2010 IAFF Convention in San Diego, California.  This resolution, entitled "Care Enough to Wear Pink," launched a nationwide response by fire departments across the Country to support breast cancer awareness initiatives.

This year’s campaign by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue has raised $12,000 in proceeds to be donated to The Susan G. Komen Foundation and The Red Devils charity, a Maryland-based breast cancer organization whose mission is to fund services that improve the quality of life for Maryland breast cancer patients and their families. Please visit the web pages of both charitable organizations by visiting ww5.komen.org and www.the-red-devils.org for more information about the organizations.