Power To The Pink: Renton Firefighters Lose Navy Uniform To Raise Awareness

Never mind the lights and sirens; Renton’s firefighters will certainly stand out more than usual this week while responding to calls.

In honor of breast cancer survivors and those still battling the disease, the Renton Fire and Emergency Services Department will sport pink T-shirts this week to promote breast cancer awareness in both women and men.

Instead of the normal navy blue uniform shirt, members of Renton Fire Fighters Local 864 will wear pink from Oct. 15-19 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This is the department’s third year participating in the national campaign to increase awareness about the disease.

At the IAFF 50th Convention, held in San Diego in August 2010, delegates collectively approved a resolution to encourage IAFF members to participate in campaigns to honor women fighting cancer. For IAFF members, losing the blue and donning the pink is a way to support women in their fight against all cancers.

Cancer is a very real concern for the profession, and according to the IAFF resolution there is a proven correlation between fire fighting and an increased risk of cancer.

The firefighters purchase their own pink T-shirts. Proceeds from the shirt sales will benefit a cancer support charity of the department’s choice.

Renton Fire and Emergency Services is among 40 emergency service organizations associated with the International Association of Fire Fighters to participate in the awareness campaign.

Renton Firefighters encourage the community to join them in honoring women in their fight against cancer. Show your loved ones, co-workers and community that you also care by wearing something pink in October. Take a picture and post it to this article by clicking on the ‘Upload Photos and Videos” button.