SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The Seminole County Fire Department is announcing the donated purchase of 150 heavy-duty containers to support cancer-preventative initiatives for firefighters.
In January, the Meet Expectations Girls Gymnastics Competition fundraised nearly $10,000 for the fire departments in Seminole and Orange Counties.
The Seminole County Firefighters Benevolent Fund used its $5,000 donation to purchase plastic sealable containers where “floating” firefighters can store their gear when they go to various stations. “Floater” firefighters and lieutenants do not have a permanent station and bring their gear to various stations.
“They have to transport their gear home and this is just one level of protection to keep them safe and keep their families safe,” Lt. Jazz Zombo said.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Studies have shown carcinogens can emit from equipment up to three days after a fire and 72% of firefighter line-of-duty deaths are cancer-related.
The bins reduce the off-gassing in firefighters’ vehicles, which protects them and their families as they store and travel with their gear.
Brittney Powers helped organize the fundraising event. Her father, Stephen VanRavenswaay, was an Orange County firefighter who died from pancreatic cancer in 2017.
“It’s just so rewarding. My dream was to always do something big and kind of help,” Powers said. “I know what my dad wanted. My dad always wanted for us to keep pushing to help people with the cancer prevention.”
Orange County Fire Charities also received a $5,000 check to benefit cancer-related firefighter initiatives.
Powers said she hopes the donation will be just one of many to increase firefighter safety.
“It’s amazing to watch everybody just come together,” Powers said. “It touches my heart and I think my dad would be super proud.”
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: