Inherently being a firefighter comes with a lot of risk including being exposed known and unknown substance that cause cancer. Many of these cancers firefighters get are not covered by any presumptive legislation, leaving them to fight the fight on their own. Many of us have been effected by cancer directly or through our families. This is a brief story about my personal encounter with skin cancer and continued battle. 

My hope of sharing this story will help educate and motivate others to take the proper precautions when possible. As firefighters we need to remember that is a job at the end of the shift and we must take care of ourselves so we can go home. We don't have the attitude that giving up our health is part of the job. That doesn't mean that every single one us will not pay the ultimate sacrifice when called upon so another may live. We risk a lot to save a lot and risk a little to save little.

Let's educate ourselves in every possible and have a great quality at the end of our career.