LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Firefighter Cancer Support Network
for its dedicated services to all fire service members and their fami-
lies in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend
the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) for its dedicated services
to all fire service members and their families in the State of New York;
and
WHEREAS, On November 10, 2009, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network
will celebrate its second annual Gala Dinner and Fundraiser "Fight
Cancer With Fire" at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza; nationally recog-
nized comedian/actor Paul Rodriguez will be this year's special guest;
and
WHEREAS, The Firefighter Cancer Support Network was founded in 2005 by
Michael Dubron who recruited cancer survivors, caregivers and volun-
teers; its main objective is to provide timely assistance to all fire
service members and their families in the event of cancer diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, this vital network provides awareness to fire
service members and their families about the importance of cancer
prevention and screening by coordinating educational opportunities with
various health programs; and
WHEREAS, The Firefighter Cancer Support Network maintains a database
of mentors who have personal experience with many types of cancers and
will personally guide others through the process of dealing with specif-
ic illnesses; and
WHEREAS, The unfortunate truth is that the rewards of career fire-
fighting come with a greater risk of cancer, supported by studies that
have shown firefighters are more likely to develop certain types of
cancer compared with the general population, including prostate cancer,
testicular cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and multiple myeloma; and
WHEREAS, The Firefighter Cancer Support Network encourages firefight-
ers to take precautions when on duty, including avoiding or limiting
exposure to carcinogens, removing protective equipment only in areas
deemed safe, keeping safety equipment on the apparatus floor and not in
living quarters, and taking a shower immediately after exposure to any
fire or call that may include exposure to toxins; and
WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery
every day in the course of their duties; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its high-
est commendation to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network for the
support its members provide to fire service members and their families
facing cancer, and for the awareness it brings to fire service members
and their families about cancer prevention and screening; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Firefighter Cancer Support Network for its dedicated
services to all fire service members and their families in the State of
New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.