As we embark on January, recognized as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month, it is crucial to underscore our commitment to comprehensive health and safety practices. Recent statistics from the 2023 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial reveal that 63% of the names added to the wall were members who succumbed to occupational cancer. In response, our collective efforts are vital protocols for cancer prevention and providing support to those within our ranks facing a cancer diagnosis.

Forty percent of the general population will be diagnosed with cancer. Firefighters face a nine percent higher risk of diagnosis and a fourteen percent higher mortality rate compared to the general population.

The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services is committed to improving cancer diagnosis for our personnel who have already been exposed to the hazards of the job for many years while also working to implement preventative measures to continually reduce your risk of cancer.

This month we will send out a series of information and videos related to our fight against cancer in Frederick County. Please take a moment to watch these videos from Technician Scott Machande, Technician Kyle Wagner, Chief John Carnegis, Technician Tyrone Jenkins, and Fire Medic Derek Hartman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7Za2Bw6k10
https://youtu.be/w7iteeaUXzE?si=RZnBfUBt6qL2Fdew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzHg5EQwOHs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHobcX1Hv7g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KOGXmHIwXE

Please see this video from FDNY Chief Frank Leeb about your hood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNryZxoNySA

See attached PDF's for additional information on Thyroid cancer, Prostate cancer, and the National Firefighter Cancer Registry.