HARTFORD, Conn. — Taking a stance against firefighter cancer, an event to test members from departments across the state was held at Dunkin’ Park on Tuesday.
About 150 firefighters showed up to get screened by Grail, the company that makes the "Galleri Test."
Artie Rosa, a Hartford firefighter who is also the president of Local 760, the Firefighters Union, helped to organize the event, essentially to be proactive for fellow firefighters.
“In the firefighting service our population is exposed to cancer at a much higher clip – some studies have it at 35% higher incidence amongst our population,” Rosa said.
Rosa stressed that exposure to smoke inhalation and forever chemicals (PFAS) can be the culprits for cancer which is why he was determined to bring the screening day to Hartford – a day where the Hartford Yard Goats provided the space at the YG Club for free.
“Today is about getting ourselves checked out early and spreading the word,” Rosa said.
Hartford Fire Chief Rodney Barco was in full support of the screening day.
“For the membership to potentially be exposed to carcinogens on a daily basis every time they come to work, pre-screening is very important to them,” Barco said.
At present, the Galleri Tests are being paid for by firefighters themselves but, down the road, Rosa hopes that cities and towns foot the bill for such screenings.
“These guys (firefighters) put everyone else first, we show up on everyone’s worst day,” said Rosa. He then added, “The big win today would be for the word to get out, that towns and cities and other departments are going to say this is something we to do for our firefighters and their families.”
MORE NEWS:
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.