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Researchers at the National Institute of Standards

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have conducted an in-depth examination of a range of textiles used in turnout gear coats and pants. The results of the study suggest that selecting optimal combinations of fabrics for each layer could significantly reduce the amount of PFAS present in turnout gear. The team found the least amount of PFAS in the layer closest to firefighters’ skin, the thermal lining, which may correspond to water repellency being a lower priority for this layer than the other two. At the other end of the spectrum, the moisture barrier and the outer shell contained PFAS concentrations up to 400 times higher, though those numbers varied widely from fabric to fabric. To access the article, visit our website and read our recent article entitled, "Researchers Pin Down PFAS Prevalence in Firefighter Gear."

SFFCPF fully supports and urges you to join the Na

SFFCPF fully supports and urges you to join the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer! NIOSH is recruiting firefighters to join so that we can better understand the link between firefighting and cancer. It is the largest effort ever undertaken to understand and reduce the risk of cancer among U.S. firefighters.
The NFR is open to US firefighters, not just those diagnosed with cancer. Registration takes ~30 min. Follow this link to learn more and register: https://buff.ly/40AzuiZ

On Wednesday, April 5, over 500 firefighters and f

On Wednesday, April 5, over 500 firefighters and family members rallied in Phoenix to support Goodyear, AZ Firefighter Gilbert Aguirre. Gilbert was diagnosed with leukemia eight years ago, but the insurance company contracted by his workers compensation system denied his claim. Over the past eight years, Gilbert continued to work full time while undergoing aggressive cancer treatment. He also spoke out about his case, leading to ground-breaking new cancer protections for Arizona's firefighters. However, Copper Point insurance company continues to deny Gilbert's claim, arguing that the new protections Gilbert helped win don't apply to him. Gilbert's case goes before the Arizona State Supreme Court on Tuesday, April 11. The San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation stands with Gilbert and his family. Pictured are SFFCPF board members Margie Favro and Adam Wood, Local 798 President Floyd Rollins, and Protect Our Benefits President Fred Sanchez.

The San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention F

The San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation thanks SFFD Lieutenant Nick Oxford for his eight years of hard work on the Foundation’s board. Nick joined the SFFD in 2011 after six years of service for West Sacramento Fire. Nick joined the Foundation Board in 2014 and has worked tirelessly as a patient navigator, assisting Bay Area firefighters and their families access the benefits provided by the Foundation and get the best healthcare and treatment available for their cancer. Nick was also instrumental in guiding the Foundation’s advocacy for extending cancer presumptions and protections to Federal Wildland firefighters. Nick is stepping down from the Board but will continue to serve as a patient Health Navigator focused on active members.

Many thanks to Keith Onishi… Keith Onishi, the

Many thanks to Keith Onishi… Keith Onishi, the man who never slows down, has finally decided that it’s time catch his breath & just maybe slow down a little bit… after spending 30 plus years on the job in the SFFD he has basically spent all of his off-duty time to support many Department organizations, especially the Asian Firefighters Association & the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation. Keith was one of the founding concerned members of the group we put together that became SFFCPF in 2007. As the Vice President of our Foundation, he has been instrumental in organizing all of our cancer screenings. It’s hard for me to express just how valuable Keith has been… his favorite line to me whenever we spoke was, “What do you want me to do?” No task was too small or too large for him to take on. A little history about Keith… he entered the Department in 1992 & spent his probationary time at Sta. 3 then Sta.12. He came close to losing his life in March 1995 at the infamous Everson St. Fire, a fire that took the life of Lt. Lou Mambretti and basically crippled firefighter Melanie Stapper, ending her career. Lt Mambretti, F.F. Stapper and F.F. Onishi were all trapped in a garage with 80 mile an hour winds whipping up Glen Canyon turning the structure fire into an internal blow torch… Keith suffered severe 3rd degree burns on his hands as well as other parts of his body and major burns to his lungs… Keith had to go through many painful surgeries & a long recovery but he came back to work. Not only did he come back to work he put in for a spot on Engine 1, one of the busiest engine companies in the United States & has remained at Sta.1 ever since. He could have picked a nice quiet company to spend the rest of his career but that is not Keith. Our Foundation, in fact this Department, has been very fortunate to have this man. I wish him the best in life because that is exactly what he deserves. When he told me that it was time to move on, I had to smile because he followed that with, “I’ll be around, let me know if you need anything.” With a tear in my eye, I say “so long” but not “good bye”… God bless you, Brother. Tony Stefani
President, SFFCPF