5-alarm Task Force!

Cancer and other dangers we face in the fire service are not new topics, but they have “morphed” a bit. Initially, it was though that only those who worked the “Pile” after 9|11 were being affected. Then, the various carcinogens and other toxins from the benzene products burning were found to be hurting us as well. Then, came the news that they very bunker gear we wear to protect ourselves while we perform our often-dangerous jobs, could be leaking carcinogenic toxins into our bodies. With manufacturers denying that either, no carcinogenic products in the turn-out gear, or they changed their tune to,”…it might be there, but it can’t hurt you,” an organized offense was needed.  One of the leaders for that call is my guest, Jason Burns. Literally, thrown into the presidency of his local IAFF union, he was forced to bury two colleagues, both in their thirties, within two years of his election. And Jason wanted to learn more about cancer in the fire service.  He did extensive homework to learn as much as possible