Donning Pink to Fight Breast Cancer

Firefighters often don some cool equipment and clothing while responding to emergencies and saving lives. Last week residents may have seen members of the and Burlington Firefighters Local 2313 sporting a different type of uniform, though the goal of saving lives was the same. They were all wearing pink T-shirts to raise awareness about breast cancer. 

"The whole department has been affected in one way or another with this disease and we wanted to show support and raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month," said Todd Ficociello.

Firefighter Michael Runyan said some of the guys were a little uncertain when they first saw the bright pink shirts, but everyone was on board to help with the fund drive. Runyan added that the pink shirts did draw some attention while the firefighters were out and about in town.

"We got some strange looks from people," he said, "but once we told them what we were doing everyone was behind us."

The fire department and the Burlington Firefighters Local 2313 have partnered with the International Association of Firefighters and Susan G Komen for a Cure in trying to raise awareness and money to fight this disease. You can donate by going to our website iafflocal2313.org and going to the right hand column “IAFF Local 2313 Goes Pink."

The fire department is also hosting an open house this Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be handouts, a demonstration of a car being cut up by the Jaws of Life and other displays.