PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE | BRIAN K. RICE

Steady Progress

When the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published its report declaring firefighter occupational exposures as a Group 1 carcinogen, we knew this was going to be a game-changer.

As more and more research has taken place, we have learned that the most common cancer types among firefighters are shifting from lung cancer to others like mesothelioma and bladder cancer. We are discovering even when properly worn, chemicals are still absorbed through turnouts, specifically on the neck, armpits, groin area, and the back of the knees. Additionally, the PPE designed to keep us safe is known to contain chemicals proven to cause cancer.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death for firefighters. I committed to CPF declaring a war on cancer at our 49th Biennial Convention this Spring, and I meant it. We are in the early stages of putting together the framework for a cancer prevention and wellness task force, like the Behavioral Health Task Force, with stakeholders from key organizations like Kaiser Permanente. We need a single clearinghouse of education and resources for firefighters to go for any and all information on cancer prevention, treatment, and overall wellness.

While this research is being done, efforts on good hygiene, decon, and clean cab initiatives are critical. CPF is committed to engaging and educating members on self-protective best practices while also championing groundbreaking research and legislation on risk reduction.

One of the landmark accomplishments in this effort is AB 700, the Firefighter Cancer Research and Prevention Program which will be awarding grants this winter to conduct innovative research on cancer in the fire service. Many CPF locals have partnered with researchers to submit grants for funding, and interest in the program has greatly exceeded expectations, demonstrating the significant need for this research and that no one is more committed to taking care of firefighters than ourselves.

We are getting ready to add 36 names of our fallen brothers and sisters to the California Firefighters Memorial. Of these names, 23 are from job-related cancer. This effort is too important and cancer in the fire service is enough of an epidemic that we cannot afford to waver in our work. Steady, dedicated progress is the key to keeping us all safe.

Lastly, we have a pivotal general election upon us, I encourage all CPF members to learn about the candidates and ballot measures that will appear on the ballot and to exercise their right to vote. I know that you and all CPF members have a wide range of life experiences, perspectives, and issues facing your daily lives. Our responsibility at CPF includes researching and considering how these races will impact the wages, benefits, staffing levels, and working conditions that impact professional firefighters before making endorsement recommendations to our members.

This magazine includes both the IAFF’s recommendations on federal races and the CPF’s endorsements on state matters. Our highest statewide priority for the general election is to support Proposition 5, which allows local fire departments a smoother pathway to finance the much-needed improvements and upgrades to fire stations, vehicle fleets, apparatus, and equipment – I urge your full consideration and support of Proposition 5. For local elections that appear on your ballots, CPF locals have submitted their endorsements that are searchable by county at CPFelectionguide.com.