FCSN announces donation from Scott Safety Foundation
The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) announced Monday that it had been selected by the Scott Safety Foundation to receive a $10,000 donation.
As one of America’s leading suppliers of safety equipment to firefighters, Scott Safety has a sense of obligation to give back to the communities it serves.
“Line-of-duty cancer is a growing problem for all firefighters,” stated Chris Fallon, zone manager for Scott Safety, in a news release. “We believe FCSN’s extensive cancer assistance, awareness, and prevention programs are making a crucial difference, and we are proud to support their efforts.”
Fallon recommended the donation after meeting Naperville Fire Department Bureau Chief Andrew Dina, who is a volunteer peer-support mentor for FCSN.
Fallon and Scott Safety Regional Manager Patrick Pflederer presented the check to FCSN Founder Mike Dubron on Thurs., Jan. 22, at the Naperville Fire Administration Building (Station 7) on the Naperville Public Safety Campus, located at 1380 Aurora Ave.
More photos by James Hoch Photography, January 22, 2015 / Ruthi Sommers and Bureau Chief Andrew Dina also contributed to this story.
Firefighter Cancer Support Network
FCSN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 by Los Angeles County Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Dubron, a survivor of stage IV colon cancer. Today, FCSN’s objective is to provide timely assistance to all fire and EMS personnel and their family members who have been diagnosed with cancer. FCSN offers unique expertise through its national network of peer-support mentors. FCSN also delivers firefighter cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection programs nationwide.
Cancer is a looming personal catastrophe for every firefighter; it has become the most dangerous threat to the health and safety of America’s firefighters. Multiple studies, including a joint U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) cancer study released in 2013, have repeatedly illustrated higher rates of multiple types of cancers in firefighters compared to the general American population.
“This generous donation from the Scott Safety Foundation will help FCSN continue to expand our national firefighter cancer awareness and prevention initiatives,” said FCSN President Bryan Frieders, a division chief with the San Gabriel (Calif.) Fire Department. “It’s critically important for firefighters to use their personal protective equipment, including their self-contained breathing apparatus, from initial attack through overhaul. Not wearing SCBA while in active and post-fire environments is the most dangerous voluntary activity in the fire service today.”
FCSN’s 2013 white paper, “Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service,” provides lifesaving details about recognizing and reducing firefighters’ cancer risks. It’s available as a free download from FirefighterCancerSupport.org.
According to FCSN, cancer has become the most dangerous threat to the health and safety of America’s firefighters. The Firefighter Cancer Support Network provides timely assistance and one-on-one peer support to fire/EMS members and their families after a cancer diagnosis.
For more information, visit firefightercancersupport.org.
