MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO
The reaction from citizens and residents across the region has been over whelminging positive to our fleet of pink fire and EMS units. Prince George's County Firefighters and Paramedics have committed many hours to help raise the awareness and funds for a cure of Breast Cancer. With the support of Fire Chief Bashoor, the Fire/EMS Department has committed to being proactive with awareness 365 days a year by keeping some of apparatus pink in color. We have expanded our fleet of units from just one pink pumper to soon having 2 pumpers and a medic unit.
Our pink fleet has attended many cancer awareness events not only in Prince George's County but also across the region. We are constantly receiving requests for our pink fleet to attend events and we strive to accommodate as many requests as possible. Keep in mind that these are not reserve units, these are front line apparatus that respond to emergency calls every day.
One of the most commonly asked questions is why just the color pink?? There are many other forms of cancer that could also use some awareness to find a cure and to encourage people to have check-ups and tests. Cancer in the fire service is also a matter of high concern and is one of the leading causes of death among current and retired firefighters. We hear compassionate stories every day about all types of cancer and agree that all cancers need awareness.
While our membership remains committed to breast cancer which almost everyone can relate to either personally, family member, friend, co-worker, etc., our newest addition to the pink fleet, scheduled for delivery in the next couple of months, will have an additional color added that represents all cancers.
Lavender has been nationally accepted as the color to represent all cancers. A lavender stripe has been added to the new Pierce Pumper which remains predominately pink. "If just one person sees one of our pink fleet of apparatus either at an event or responding on a call motivating that person to have an annual check-up or reminds them to do a monthly self-check, than we have accomplished our goal," said Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor. "We understand the immense responsibility we have accepted in promoting cancer awareness year round and it is a challenge we are willing to take on."
The image of our new pink pumper below shows the recently added lavender stripe. This unit is still in production and is scheduled for delivery later this year.
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