For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009
FIREFIGHTERS TO DON PINK UNIFORMS FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Citizens in Fire District 1 will notice a change in fire department uniforms during the month of October: Starting Oct. 6, many firefighters will be wearing pink shirts to promote breast cancer awareness.
“Early detection is the key to cancer survival,” said Larry Hess, chief of the Slidell-area fire department. “That was the case for my wife, Janice, and for family members of many of our firefighters and staff.”
The shirts will be deployed into firefighters’ uniform stock on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m., starting at Fire District 1’s Old Towne station, 322 Bouscaren St., Slidell. Media are invited to attend.
“We recognize we are an ‘all hazards’ emergency management organization,” Hess said. “This effort goes along with our Safe Kids and Fit as a Firefighter programs to make our community safer and healthier.”
Hess noted that progressive fire departments of today are not just focused on responding to fires, medical emergencies and vehicle crashes.
“We accept the responsibility of stewarding a much more global concept of public safety service,” Hess said.
The idea for this public outreach effort originated at the suggestion Firefighter Jason Centroni, who will be on duty next Tuesday during the distribution of the shirts. Chief Hess said it’s great to have young firefighters adding to the quality of the services we deliver to the public.
“We’re fortunate to have members of our fire department who add value to our commitment to the community,” Hess continued. “We are hopeful that our promotion during Breast Cancer Awareness month will help in detecting this disease even if it is in just one person.”
In addition to Hess’ wife, Janice, Battalion Chief Bill McInnis’ wife, Belinda, and Information Technology Officer Bobby Worchel’s’ mother, Ester, and Captain Tyrone Collins’ wife, Debbie, are breast cancer survivors.
In addition to the change in uniform shirts Fire District 1 trucks will display Breast Cancer Awareness ribbons.
Media contact: James Hartman, [email protected]; 504.458.4600