Fernandina Beach Fire Department
Press Release
Contact: Bill Hamilton
[email protected]
May 29, 2019 12:00 p.m.
A local family with ties to the firefighter community, wanted to do something to help her local heroes. Once they heard about the mission of Hoods For Heroes, they immediately reached out to help with the process of raising awareness and resources to provide hoods to the local departments. The protective hoods reduce the incredible risk of cancer that firefighters face every day.
Cancer in the fire service is at epidemic levels. With a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general population, it is easy to understand the increased risk Firefighters face on the job.
A Firefighter’s risk for specific types of cancer is significantly higher. The National Institute of Science and Health (NIOSH) reports that Firefighters are at a 2.02 times higher risk for testicular cancer, and 1.53 times greater risk for multiple myeloma. It is reported that as many as one in three Firefighters will be diagnosed with cancer during their careers with current statistics indicating more than 60% of line of duty deaths are due to cancer. This effort will bring awareness and support to those who risk their lives daily to protect others.
“We are excited to work with Fernandina to support their local heroes,” Co-Founder Bill Hamilton said. Partnering with the community to help protect firefighters from constant exposure to dangerous chemicals is our number one priority.”
“For many years we have worked diligently at protecting our firefighters by providing the best equipment to keep them safe, and now we are finding out that as hard as we try, there continues to be unknown risks these men and women face each day. These hoods are another step in the right direction and we sincerely thank this family and Hoods for Heroes for donating this important piece of equipment to every firefighter.”
About Hoods For Heroes
Hoods For Heroes is a national non-profit with a passion for protecting our first responders. They were founded with the mission of providing life-saving equipment to the men and women of the fire service. Partnered with more 50 private and fire service related companies, HFH provides support, awareness and equipment to reduce the rate of cancer throughout the fire service. www.HoodsForHeroes.org @Hoodsforheroes
About Fernandina Beach Fire Service
The services that the Fernandina Beach Fire Department provides to our residents and visitors is an all hazards response system including; fire suppression, advanced life support/emergency medical services, fire prevention and public safety education, ocean rescue, special operations and emergency preparedness. Each member is professionally trained and certified by the State of Florida as a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician or a Firefighter/Paramedic and holds many additional specialty certifications.