𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗟. 𝗦𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝟱𝗞: 𝗥𝘂𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿

As we all know, the danger doesn’t end when the fire is out. Occupational cancer, caused by toxic exposures on the job, is now the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service.On May 24, 2025, join us at Burke Lake Park for the Captain George L. Sisson Memorial 5K, an event honoring a true legend and supporting those still fighting.Captain George Sisson served the DMV region for over 40 years with unmatched dedication, compassion, and courage, traits he carried into his battle with cancer. Let’s come together to honor his legacy and stand behind those continuing the fight.Your participation will benefit the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), an organization providing critical resources, peer support, and education to firefighters and their families navigating a cancer diagnosis.𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:Where: Burke Lake Park, Shelter A (7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039)Packet Pickup: Opens at 7:30 AM1-Mile Walk: 0830 AM5K Run: 0900 AMRegister Here: www.sisson5k.comCan’t run? Volunteers are needed!Start time is early (around 6:30–7:00 AM), but we’ll have coffee, snacks, and great people to start the day.Sign up to volunteer: www.sisson5k.com/volunteerCan’t attend but still want to support?Donate here: www.gofundme.com/f/extinguishing-firefighter-cancer?attribution_id=sl:5adcab46-c375-4240-b815-f66...Let’s honor Captain Sisson and support our brothers and sisters in the fire service. Together, we can raise awareness, save lives, and extinguish firefighter cancer. #Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #FirefighterCancerAwareness ... See MoreSee Less

𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀

This week, Local 2068 proudly recognizes Public Safety Communicators Week, a time to celebrate the dedicated professionals who serve as the lifeline between the community and emergency responders.Our dispatchers are more than just voices on the other end of the line, they are our first line of defense, and literally the first, first responders. They are the calm in the chaos, gathering critical information, providing lifesaving instructions, and ensuring help gets where it’s needed, fast.To our brothers and sisters at DPSC: thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and unwavering support. We see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn’t do our jobs without you.#Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #DPSC #IAFF #PublicSafetyTelecommunicatorsWeek ... See MoreSee Less

𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 #𝟭 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 & 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆

Local 2068 stands with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, Virginia From 2002 to 2021, occupational cancer caused 65% of career firefighter line-of-duty deaths. Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population. This is the harsh reality we face simply by doing the job we love.That’s why the Firefighter Cancer Support Network exists, to provide critical support, awareness, and education for firefighters and their families facing a cancer diagnosis.What FCSN Offers: - Badge-to-badge peer mentorship from firefighter cancer survivors- A free cancer-support toolbox delivered within days of diagnosis- The Firefighter’s Guide to Cancer Survivorship, developed with the American Cancer Society- Extensive cancer awareness & prevention training for departments nationwide- Ongoing research, advocacy, and support focused on firefighter cancerWhether you're a firefighter, family member, or caregiver, you are not alone. FCSN is here to help every step of the way.If you or someone you know in the fire service has received a cancer diagnosis, call 1-866-994-FCSN (3276) or visit firefightercancersupport.org to request immediate assistance.Let’s protect each other, on the fireground and beyond.#Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #FCSN #FirefighterCancerAwareness #NoOneFightsAlone ... See MoreSee Less

𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵

Did you know that firefighters face more than double the risk of developing testicular cancer compared to the general population? Studies show a 2.02 times greater risk, largely due to repeated exposure to toxic chemicals and carcinogens on the job.This month, we urge our members and the community to make their health a top priority:- Perform monthly self-exams to check for lumps or changes- Schedule regular medical check-ups and discuss risk factors with your doctor- Take decontamination seriously—clean your gear, skin, and equipment after every callEarly detection saves lives. Protect yourself, your brothers and sisters, and your future. Stay vigilant, stay safe.#iaff2068 #testicularcancerawareness #firefighterhealth #earlydetectionsaveslives ... See MoreSee Less

𝗢𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲

Female firefighters face unique and growing health risks on the job. Emerging research shows higher rates of several cancers, including ovarian cancer, among female firefighters compared to the general population, and often at younger ages.One of the known risks: asbestos exposure. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), asbestos is linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Firefighters can be exposed when older buildings burn, releasing dislodged asbestos fibers during fire suppression and overhaul operations. These are real dangers that demand attention. More research is needed, but we cannot wait to start protecting ourselves and each other.At IAFF Local 2068, we stand with our female firefighters. We advocate for awareness, prevention, and better protections for all firefighters, because no one should face these risks in silence.Stay vigilant. Prioritize health. Push for progress.#Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #firefighterhealth #earlydetectionsaveslives ... See MoreSee Less

𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀

Firefighters put their lives on the line every day, but the danger doesn’t end when the fire is out. According to NIOSH research, firefighters have a 62% higher risk of developing esophageal (throat) cancer and a 39% increased risk of dying from it compared to the general population.These increased risks are linked to long-term exposure to toxic smoke, carcinogens, and heat, making prevention and early detection critical.- Prioritize annual health screenings- Don’t ignore persistent sore throat, trouble swallowing, or unexplained weight loss- Decontaminate gear and skin thoroughly after every fireAt IAFF Local 2068, we’re committed to raising awareness and fighting for safer working conditions and better health protections for our members.Stay informed. Stay vigilant. Early detection saves lives.#Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #ThroatCancerAwareness #FirefighterHealth #EarlyDetectionSavesLives ... See MoreSee Less

𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗺, 𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆

Today, as we prepare to lay Captain Barry Maham to rest, we reflect on the profound impact he had on our department and the fire service as a whole. A cancer diagnosis is one of the toughest battles a firefighter can face, but Barry met his with the same strength, determination, and selflessness that defined his career.Barry refused to simply endure his illness, he chose to fight, not just for himself, but for all of us. True to the way he lived his entire career, he stepped up with unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership, determined to leave the department better than he found it. Even while facing his own diagnosis, Barry remained committed to protecting his brothers and sisters, ensuring that his experience would serve as a lesson for those who may one day face the same fight. He committed himself to strengthening cancer reduction efforts, educating members on the challenges ahead, and making sure they knew what resources were available to them.Please take a moment to watch this video, created two years ago, documenting part of Barry’s journey through treatment as he faced this diagnosis with unshakable resilience. As we honor his life and legacy, let’s also honor his mission, committing to the steps that reduce our risk, protect one another, and ensure his fight was not in vain.We ask that you keep Barry’s wife, Amber, their five children, and all of his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.Rest easy, Captain. Your fight continues through us.www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGOsdLLBBQs#local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #virginia ... See MoreSee Less

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

Firefighters face a 10-45% higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to the general population, with some studies showing a 19% increased risk of late-stage colon cancer. The toxins and carcinogens we encounter on the job put us at greater risk, but early detection and prevention can save lives.- Know the signs: Persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal discomfort.- Get screened: Regular screenings can detect cancer early when it's most treatable.- DECON is key: Clean your gear, skin, and equipment after every call to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.Your health is your greatest asset, protect it. Talk to your doctor, schedule your screenings, and encourage your brothers and sisters to do the same. Early detection saves lives.#Local2068 #fairfaxcounty #FCFRD #coloncancerawareness #firefighterhealth #earlydetectionsaveslives ... See MoreSee Less