South King Fire and Rescue thinks pink for cancer awareness

Published 12:11 pm Friday, October 29, 2010

From staff reports:

Many South King Fire and Rescue firefighters have ditched their traditional navy blue T-shirts in favor of hot pink ones in an attempt to show their support for cancer awareness.

The firefighters sported the shirts throughout the last week of October — breast cancer awareness month. This is the first year the fire district has taken up the effort to increase cancer awareness. Cancer, of various kinds, has touched the lives of several of the crew members.

Firefighters have an increased risk of developing testicular and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and prostate cancers.

“This is really about increasing awareness and the importance of going to the doctor and getting check-ups,” said South King Firefighters Foundation Chair Kevin Crossen.

The campaign is a partnership between the South King Firefighters Foundation and the Renton Fire Benevolent Association, which designed the shirts. A portion of the proceeds from the shirts, which were purchased by the Firefighters Foundation and the firefighters themselves, go to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

“The campaign has really taken on a life of its own,” Crossen said. “We purchased enough shirts for the entire department and now we will probably be doing a second order for additional shirts for family members and others who want to join the cause.”