International Foundation for Firefighters. Non-profit Org.

I am a retired firefighter. I have been around fires for more than 40 years; from domestic home fires to raging forest blazes. The most satisfying experience in my life and profession was to work around brave fellow firefighters saving lives and property. Firefighters are citizen heroes putting their lives on the line for others.

On the other side of the coin I’ve seen fallen firefighters dying in the line of duty and their relatives mourning their loss. I’ve seen impoverished volunteer firefighter stations doing their heroic job without the proper equipment. Firefighters suicide and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is on the rise. It’s a hard reality to face; firefighters are trained to help, but they don’t ask for their own help.

Furthermore, research has indicated a strong connection between firefighting and an increased risk for several major cancers.

It’s time to give a helping hand to those heroes and their families!