Join us at our annual BFD Spring Scramble Golf Tournament to support the Boston Fire Department Relief Fund.

Over the past decade, cancer and heart disease have accounted for the majority of on-duty firefighter deaths, and disabilities. Currently a number of firefighters are struggling with devastating cancer diagnoses and undergoing treatment. 

Cancer awareness and prevention have become a major focus for fire departments nationwide. Statistics show that firefighters are more than twice as likely to develop cancer during their lifetime compared to civilians. In Boston specifically, 67% of firefighters will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Right now, there are 13 members of the Boston Fire Department who are currently on leave battling cancer. Even after additional precautionary measures have been implemented across the Department, the number of cancer diagnoses and deaths continue to rise at an alarming rate.

However, there is hope. Recent advances in medical research have provided doctors with new ways to test and screen for cancer and cardiovascular issues. In collaboration with the Boston Fire Department and with the generosity and support of the Boston Firefighters Credit Union, the Boston Fire Department Relief Fund will subsidize the cost of crucial cancer screening and cardiovascular body scans that are not covered by insurance.