Firefighters strike a pose for cancer awareness 

Eustis, FL - A firefighter’s uniform is quite basic, with standards across the country including fire-retardant pants and coats, heavy boots, suspenders and bulky helmets.  For the month of October, Eustis Firefighters will wear pink t-shirts along with their regular gear to draw attention to the dangers of breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there are almost 200,000 Americans diagnosed with breast cancer each year.  Early detection of the disease is vital to increasing survival rates.

“Wearing pink as a group is one way we can show our community how important cancer screening is,” says Eustis Fire Chief Rex Winn.

For Senior Engineer Chad M. Williamson, who will wear his pink duty shirt for each of his 24-hour shifts in October, the gesture is especially meaningful.

“My mother is a 20+ year breast cancer survivor,” says Williamson.  “I’m glad that I am able to honor her struggle and support those who still fight this disease.”

The Eustis Fire Department, founded in 1883, will respond to almost 4,000 calls for service this year and provides fire protection and emergency medical services to more than 18,000 Eustis residents.  The department, which currently holds an ISO rating of ‘3’, also provides public programs and fire safety training to thousands of schoolchildren and citizens each year. 

# # #

Media contact information:

Richard Hoon

Assistant to the City Manager / Community Relations

Phone:  (352) 483-5430  • Email:   hoonr@ci.eustis.fl.us