Blackfalds Fire Department is rallying around one of its own tomorrow night (Mar 3rd), working to raise funds to support the Sutherland Family through a benefit event.
Long-time volunteer with the department Dave Sutherland is battling brain cancer, and as Fire Chief Robert Côté explains, they're hoping to help provide Dave and his family some financial support during this difficult time.
“He’s unable to work at this time; he’s had his brain surgery to remove the tumor and then starts chemo so he won’t be working for a while”.
Côté says his members put their lives on the line and are exposed to many chemicals which can impact their health.
“The potential is there, part of the presumptuous cancers for the firefighters, brain cancer is one of the highest rated cancers that we are prone to, being a firefighter and being exposed to the carcinogens and the chemicals that are produced during the fires of the new materials and new homes and vehicles are more dangerous than previous”.
Tomorrow night’s event includes dinner, entertainment and live and silent auctions.
Côté says they've been blown away by the support they've received for Dave and this event.
“Lacombe Fire their going to be providing coverage for Saturday night while we’re attending and working the benefit for the Sutherlands. The fire community is very tight knit so we’ve got support all the way down to the Calgary region; all the way up north as well”.
A few tickets remain; they are available at the town office or Abbey Centre at a cost of $25.
The province recently expanded cancer protections for Alberta firefighters, with firefighters six times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer.
Côté says they are bringing in a researcher from the University of Ottawa later this month to provide some information to members about absorption of chemicals and what firefighter’s are exposed to even through their protective gear and how to avoid some of those risks or be more aware.
Thu, Apr 25, 1:00 PM
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