CHESAPEAKE, Va. — After his routine yearly physical last April, Lt. Robert Warren, a firefighter, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
“Because of the aggressive nature, I didn't have many options, which, as you can imagine, set in a little panic, concern and anxiety,” Warren said.
The diagnosis itself was scary — and so was the potential financial burden. Surgery kept him off work longer than expected.
“My family members had to take time off from work to take care of me,” he said.
Warren’s diagnosis is not unique in the fire service.
“Over the last few years, 72% of our line-of-duty deaths have come from occupational cancer,” said Tom Bell, President of the Professional Firefighters of Chesapeake Local 2449.
“It has this effect, especially in the fire service, because we’re all brothers and sisters: it doesn't just affect the family, it affects us all," said Battalion Chief Brian Fancher.
"You know their kids' names and birthdays, their spouses and what they do and what their hobbies are, so you become really close,” said Battalion Chief Scott Clifford.
While the department is taking steps to reduce exposure to cancer-causing materials, firefighters themselves have stepped up to help.
“We're donning our 35-pound rucksack, breathing apparatus or weighted vest,” said Bell.
They will run in the third annual Ruck Cancer Run March 21 at Bells Mill Park in Chesapeake, an event started by Battalion Chiefs Fancher and Clifford.
“All proceeds go directly to firefighters battling cancer,” added Fancher.
The first two years raised $27,000, and the money was evenly distributed among all the fire departments in Hampton Roads.
These local heroes are asking you to join them. Participants can walk or run the 5K or 10K; the rucksack is optional.
All to help firefighters in our neighborhoods, like Lt. Warren, who recently received some good news.
“At the beginning of February I'm back on full duty and have been deemed cancer-free,” he said.
Sticking together in good times and bad, like families do, Chesapeake firefighters are "Positively Hampton Roads."
