If you're worried about getting cancer -- you probably shouldn't be a firefighter!

That's what I overheard a certain young fire officer tell a probie recently.

"If you're worried about getting cancer -- you probably shouldn't be a firefighter!"

I didn't miss-hear or mis-understand him, nor did I take his comment out of context. That's exactly what he said.

I nearly blew my cork. What an immature, ignorant, uniformed, reckless thing to say.

Here's all I have to say to him, "This one's for you."

THIS IS A MUST READ ARTICLE FOR ALL FIREFIGHTERS. DON'T SKIP OVER THIS JUST TO LEAVE A COMMENT. IF YOU'VE EVER THOUGHT ABOUT CUTTING CORNERS BY TAKING OFF YOUR MASK WHILE THERE'S STILL EVEN A HINT OF FUMES OR SMOKE PRESENT - THINK AGAIN. READ THIS, IF YOU CAN STOMACH IT.

"We Danced With The Devil: One Firefighter’s Cancer Chronicles"

Editor's Note: If you agree with my take on his comment, you might like to read...

Make It Personal!
Clean the Litterbox

Stay safe. Train often.

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Comment by Tom Wheland on December 16, 2009 at 9:13am
I have often silently wondered if I would end up this way but I don't go around telling others they are going to get it.
Comment by Oldman on December 16, 2009 at 8:09am
The one who made that statement has obviously never experienced a family member or friend go through the suffering. Has never been at their side whispering in their ear that "it's alright" as they take their final breath.

I hope they change their attitude, before they have to have that experience.
Comment by Alan Shaw on December 15, 2009 at 5:46am
Didn't you guys read the study that Tri-Data produced for the National League of Cities? It proved by way of no actual research or scientific study that this whole cancer & firefighting thing is all a myth. It must be a valid theory because departments keep hiring these fools to study their departments.

OK, I hope you all saw the extreme sarcasm here. I couldn't help it. Granted cancer is a disease and not an injury, and is usually tracked to a series of incidents not a single one, but it seems to me that the original statement is by someone who plans to be as unsafe as he possibly can on the fire ground. Stop him before he hurts himself or others.
Comment by Rusty Mancini on December 15, 2009 at 12:16am
That's a disturbing statement, I never would of imagine someone who would quote such a discouraging statement! We all know the risk, thus the reason we educate to prevent it. I'll pick my jaw up from the floor now!
Comment by Tiger Schmittendorf on December 14, 2009 at 11:38am
The problem I have is his attitude towards cancer as a plausible and acceptable outcome to ending a fire service career.
Comment by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on December 14, 2009 at 11:24am
Hoo boy.
Even though the science says that we are seeing more cancer in firefighters and we know of firefighters personally who have and are struggling with their battles, just like you wouldn't say, "You can die doing this job"; nor should you say, "If fire doesn't kill you, cancer will".
I believe any normal right thinking person will know the risks when they sign up.
As for the fireturd who said it; thank God he isn't a chaplain.
TCSS.
Art

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