Firefighters wear pink to support cause

Firefighters across the city took a stance by wearing pink three days this week in an effort to support multiple cancer associations.

Firefighters and staff substituted their navy blue T-shirts for pink fire shirts provided by International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2149 as part of the “Cares Enough to Wear Pink” campaign adopted by resolution at the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters.

Scott Kerr, Plano fire captain and president of IAFF, said the association adopted the idea when members recognized the number of lives cancer has affected and the need to raise awareness.

“We recognized we can raise that awareness by wearing pink shirts,” he said. “The success was great. We want to try to give back any way we can and want to raise money to help.”

Hugo Esparza, Plano fire chief, said when he was approached with the idea he recognized and agreed this would support a good cause.

“I think it has been very positive for the firefighters,” Esparza said. “Cancer is such a hideous disease that strikes loved ones. It is a far-ranging disease that strikes a lot of people. The firefighters got behind a good cause.”

Ray Fitch, fire apparatus operator, said while his crew was conducting a public education campaign at a Plano school a lot of teachers expressed their thanks for their support.

“There were a lot of breast cancer survivors there, which sparked a little emotion,” he said. “It feels really good to get out in the community and be seen in a positive light for something we take seriously.”

For the month of October the pink firefighter T-shirts are available to purchase for $15 by contacting the Plano IAFF local chapter at 214-537-9459. Half of the proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the rest will split between the American Cancer Society and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

“It is surprising to see firefighters in pink, but the NFL is doing it,” Esparza said. “If those guys can do it we certainly can. We are all excited about this. It’s a big change.”

Scott Kerr, Hugo Esparza talk about 'pink' campaign

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