Firefighter Plano Raises Cancer Awareness, Step by Step

PLAN (CBSNewsTexas.com) – Daily firefighters like Jarrett Beshers of Plano Fire-Rescue put on their bunker gear to put out fires. But because they save lives, they may be putting their own at risk.

“This is what we sign up for, this is part of the job, we risk our lives to help people,” Beshers said.

According to the CDC, cancer is the leading cause of death for firefighters. Their risk of getting cancer is 9% higher than that of ordinary people.

“In the last 10 years, more has become known about this: we clean our equipment more often, we get two sets of bunker equipment for us after a fire, because these carcinogens are still coming from our equipment,” Beshers said.

Beginning March 16, he will cover at least 100 miles in four days with a full bunker outfit. His journey will take him through Corinth. Each step marks a step in professional firefighters’ awareness of cancer. It’s called Walking for Red.

“In 2022 at our Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs, I think 348 out of 469 firefighters died from occupational cancer. This is too big a number, from which I have goosebumps, ”said Beshers.

The Walk For The Red was started by his friend and fellow firefighter Joe Warne in Michigan. Now, Beshers is tasked with raising awareness in Texas. This will be his second outing for the Reds in Texas.

“We really need the support of families,” Beshers said. “Last year I followed a guy, he passed away at the age of 35, I’m 45 and my heart hurts.”

Last year, they raised $27,000, which went directly to firefighters fighting cancer and the families of firefighters who lost their battle with cancer. On last year’s outing, Beshers was joined by other firefighters, community members and firefighters’ widows.

“It just breaks my heart when I see these families after supporting their family members in the fire department for so long that they lost them too soon,” Beshears said.

To donate to support the families of firefighters fighting cancer, or to find out how you can walk with Beshears, click here or here.