Raleigh Fire’s Priority: Reduce Firefighters’ Cancer Risk

Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Christy Burgess knows how the disease can impact a firefighter and their family - and how important it is to try to reduce cancer risk. The Raleigh Fire Department is doing its part in these efforts.

Christy's late husband, Nathan, was a Raleigh firefighter for 21 years. In January 2022, he began complaining about throat pain and soon after, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. Nathan passed away in November 2023 at age 49.

"When firefighters are on the scene, they often pull their hoods back and let them sit there because they might need to go back in," Christy explains. "Or they might not wash their hands or faces right away so the cancer-causing chemicals just sit on their skin."

The Raleigh Fire Department's new truck helps firefighters reduce their risk of exposure to these chemicals. The Rehab 12 truck, dispatched to larger fires, features two hygiene stations for firefighters to wash their hands, faces, and necks. It also offers firefighters a place to rest and recuperate.

Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin hopes every firefighter takes the cancer risk seriously and that fire departments take action to increase firefighter protection.

"I challenge all fire chiefs and fire departments across our nation to create enhanced solutions to help reduce cancer so all firefighters can have a safe and healthy career."

Watch our new video to learn more about Nathan's experience and RFD's efforts to reduce cancer.