CSFD joins trust to help firefighters manage medical bills
(COLORADO SPRINGS)— Fire departments across the country including right here in Colorado Springs are taking steps to support firefighters diagnosed with cancer. There are currently more than two dozen firefighters with the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) battling cancer.
Cancer is the number one cause of death in firefighters, and now fire departments across the country are asking for more support from city leaders to provide funding for testing and other resources.
“It is a tough road. It’s a tough diagnosis for a lot of our friends. I have a lot of guys on the job that… either have cancer or have had cancer or gone through that fight,” said Capt. JJ Halsey with CSFD.
30 CSFD firefighters currently have cancer, including Dan Knox, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in his spine in October.
“It’s such a lift off the shoulders for the whole family. It really is,” said Knox.
He has been with CSFD for more than 20 years, and is grateful he no longer has to worry about expensive medical bills.
“Just so fortunate that I can just worry about the cancer, I don’t have to worry about, you know, the financial stuff,” said Knox.
This comes after CSFD joined the State Heart Cancer and Behavioral Benefits Trust, which helps firefighters and agencies manage work-related health issues.
“It provides support and help alleviate the financial burden and provide resources to address the unique health challenges faced by our firefighters,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade.
Recent studies show firefighters have a 9% higher chance of developing cancer, and a 40% higher chance of dying from it. This comes from the hundreds of potential carcinogens they get exposed to on a daily basis.
“In my career, 37 years, I’ve seen this change over the last three decades, four decades. And the fact that it has become more dangerous, has become more of a threat,” says Fire Chief Randy Royal.
Even though these men and women risk their lives on a daily basis, and often face additional challenges, people like Knox will not let those challenges stop them on the road to recovery.
“I’m going to be okay. I promise, I’m going to be okay,” said Knox.
Colorado Springs City Council leaders voted to allow CSFD to join the Colorado Firefighter Heart Cancer and Behavioral Health Benefits trust in April.
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