Firefighters Unite Against Cancer Gala
Download the FU Cancer 23 Flyer
Thank you for your interest in supporting the first-ever Firefighters Unite against Cancer (FU Cancer) event and
joining the fight against the cancer epidemic that continues to ravage our profession.
As you may be aware, cancer attacks fire fighters at a rate significantly higher than the general population. Each and
every day, the list of firefighters battling cancer and who die at the hands of this disease grows even longer.
Why is this happening? Years ago, American homes and businesses were filled with things made from traditional
materials like wood. Today, our homes, businesses, furnishings and equipment are constructed from synthetics and
inorganic materials that contain any number of carcinogens. Now, when fire fighters enter a burning structure, we
face toxic fumes and airborne poisons. Couple this exposure with the other hazards of our profession – lack of
sleep, 56-hour work weeks, post-traumatic stress disorder plus a variety of other illnesses and a career as a fire
fighter creates a perfect storm of cancer exposure.
The 493 Firefighter Foundation, previously known as “United Phoenix Firefighters Charities,” helps firefighters in a
comprehensive way when cancer strikes. We provide financial assistance through our Cancer Fund to help with co
pays, out-of-network healthcare, and incredibly expensive medications. Given that no one is ever prepared for
cancer, we educate our firefighters through our Member Benefits program on their options for prevention and
treatment. Our Member Services program exists to fill the gaps experienced by firefighters diagnosed with cancer
and their loved ones, who inevitably must to adjust to significant life changes in the wake of cancer.
As move ahead on this effort to fight cancer, we need help from our friends and supporters. Our needs include
everything from financial sponsorships to in-kind donations to be used as raffle and silent auction items. All
donations can be made to “493 Firefighter Foundation,” a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We recommend you
consult your accountant for tax information regarding the deductible status of your donation.
If you have specific questions please reach out directly to our event chair; Cody Brooks CBrooks@Local493.or
Thank you for your support. I very much look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s Firefighter FU Cancer event!
CPR and First Aid
United Phoenix Firefighter Charities offers American Heart Association CPR/AED and First Aid Classes
CPR/AED and CPR/First Aid Courses – Held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 5 pm. Washington Activity Center, 2240 W Citrus Way, 23rd Avenue just north of Bethany Home Road. The class is $40, and participants will receive an American Heart Association Card at the end of training.
We also offer classes to groups of 8 or more held at your location.
For more information or to schedule a class please call 602-277-1500
This is a call to action to local school districts, officials, and employees to participate in this fully funded training. The national program we are using is called “ALICE”, Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. This training provides basic violent incident awareness that demonstrates different techniques on lockdown, classroom security, and how to actively distract the shooter, among other important safety tips.
This free two-day event will include effective active shooter training and preparedness solutions. The event is scheduled for July 28th and 29th. The first day will be focused on education and ALICE based curriculum. The second day will include a mock-shooter scenario.
To enroll: https://forms.office.com/g/R2P7rzmg9H
Application deadline: July 6, 2022
During his funeral today, he was promoted to Fire Captain posthumously by Phoenix Fire Chief Kara Kalkbrenner. His services consisted of numerous touching tributes by friends, family and colleagues who conquered the difficult task of putting who Juston was into words.
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The U.S. Army then conducted his interment ceremony at the National Cemetery in North Phoenix. During the ceremony he received the honor of a three-volley salute and his family was presented with a Meritorious Service Medal that was awarded posthumously. His family was also presented with ceremonial U.S. and Arizona flags by commanding officers.
You will seldom, if ever hear a Firefighter use the word “hero”. Sometimes people will use that term towards us and whereas appreciated, it is a title we usually reject as most times we are simply just doing the jobs we signed up for.
To us, Captain Doherty was a hero in every sense of the word. Not just because of the many times he selflessly put his life on the line in protection of our city and our country but because of his unparalleled, life-long commitment to help anyone under any circumstances and without question.
Captain Doherty was our hero and his passing will leave a void that will be difficult if not impossible to fill. We will continue on, each day with his spirit in our hearts and his memory on our minds. Rest in a well-deserved paradise sir, you have served your country and your city flawlessly.
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