
Vector Solutions, the leading provider of technology solutions to help train, prepare, and retain public safety professionals, is amplifying its commitment to firefighter health and safety with a series of impactful initiatives in recognition of Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. Now in its fifth consecutive year, Vector Solutions continues to support first responders by providing vital education and resources to combat occupational cancer, the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service.
“Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to amplify critical resources and education that can help reduce risks, save lives, and honor the brave men and women who dedicate themselves to protecting others,” said Robbi King, a 27-year veteran firefighter, former Chief Officer, and now Solutions Engineer. “With research indicating that 68% of firefighters develop cancer compared to just 22% in the general population, it is imperative that we equip firefighters with meaningful training and initiatives to safeguard their health and safety.”
This year’s initiatives include:
Three-Part Webinar Series in Collaboration with Fire Engineering
For every registration to the webinar series, Vector Solutions will donate $5 to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), up to $3,000.
- Part 1 on January 17: Exploring the Latest Advances in Firefighter Occupational Cancer, presented by Chief Todd LeDuc (ret.) and King
- Part 2 on January 24: Improving Firefighter Cancer Awareness to Decrease Risk and Increase Prevention, with presenters King and Chief Matt Shronts (ret.)
- Part 3 on January 31: Best Practices for Managing PPE Inspections to Meet NFPA 1851 Standards, presented by King and Shronts
Free Access to NFPA 1851 Firefighter Cancer Awareness Course
Vector Solutions’ NFPA 1851: Cancer-Related Risks of Firefighting course delivers critical education on fire-service-related cancer risks and strategies to mitigate them. Using real-life case studies, engaging interactions, and compliance with NFPA standards, the training equips firefighters and personnel with tools to prioritize health and prevention. This course is free of charge for fire service members during the month of January.
National Firefighter Cancer Registry LMS Activity
Vector Solutions, in collaboration with the National Firefighter Registry (NFR), has developed a custom activity within Vector LMS, TargetSolutions, to support cancer prevention among firefighters. This feature enables departments to easily share information about the NFR and encourage participation. The NFR is the largest U.S. initiative focused on understanding and reducing cancer risks among firefighters, relying on data-driven research to develop better health and safety measures.
“The National Firefighter Cancer Registry is a critical component in this fight, as it collects invaluable data to better understand cancer risks in the fire service,” said Chief Todd LeDuc, retired Fire Chief and Deputy CEO of Life Scan Wellness. “By participating in the registry, firefighters contribute to groundbreaking research that will lead to more effective safety protocols, improved health measures, and life-saving prevention strategies for the entire fire service community.”
Firefighters face a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general U.S. population, according to the CDC and NIOSH. The research shows that firefighters have a higher risk of certain cancers, including skin melanoma, other skin cancers, prostate cancer, rectum cancer, testis cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Vector Solutions’ resources aim to reduce these disparities by providing accessible training and prevention solutions to departments nationwide, equipping firefighters with the resources and knowledge needed to protect their health and well-being.
“The Firefighter Cancer Support Network is proud to continue our partnership with Vector Solutions to bring critical resources and education to the fire service during Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month,” said Bryan Frieders, retired Fire Chief and Board President of FCSN. “By working together through initiatives like these, we can drive awareness, foster education, and support the health and safety of our nation’s first responders.”
For more information about Vector’s Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month initiatives, click here. To register for the webinar series in collaboration with Fire Engineering, click here.