Shades of Pink: True Colors of the Gulfport Fire Department

For the second consecutive year, firefighters and paramedics from the Gulfport Fire Department are wearing pink and selling T-shirts to help raise community support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"We have definitely caught some attention, and that's good," said Lt. Pete Huffman, a firefighter of 30 years. "Breast cancer has touched someone we all know and we're doing our part to help raise awareness of the disease," he said.

His sentiments were echoed by three other firefighters on duty Thursday, bolstered by support from Chief James Marenkovic. The Gulfport Fire Department along with others within Pinellas County, are stepping up to raise awareness, and they're doing it cheerfully.

"It's a serious disease and this is one way to get attention," said Huffman.

Following some early morning training and a walk through the newly-completed Boca Ciega High School where they mapped hydrants, exit and entry points, and the fire alarm system, the foursome returned to the Gulfport firehouse. Their colorful stance was evident as the sun broke through the haze. There was no question the firefighters felt a sense of duty about raising community awareness about breast cancer and early detection.

"Wearing the shirts leads to conversation with the public," said Firefighter Timothy Burton, a rookie at the department, who said a dialogue about breast cancer was important to the overall vitality of a community.

He was joined by fellow firefighters, Christopher Mathis and Rene Fernandez, who said they felt it critical to raise awareness about a disease that has touched so many lives. A large pink flag provided by chapter 2266 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, has also been installed on the back of Gulfport's Engine 17, as a colorful reminder of a pervasive disease. Firefighters will also wear pink t-shirts throughout the month, as a way to raise community awareness. 

T-shirts are available to the public for $15,through the Gulfport Fire Department.

"Educating the public is an important part of what we do, " said Marenkovic. "this is a colorful way to do that," he said.

Huffman concurred.

"Raising awareness and keeping the public informed is one way of educating people in our community," he said. "It's also Fire Safety Awareness month and we like reminding folks of ways to keep health and safety a top priority."

Their camaraderie evident, it was clear the firefighters are committed to public education. They also discussed their commitment to public safety and health.

"Wearing pink is basically to support those who may be battling breast cancer," said Christopher Mathis.

As they unfurled the flag at the back of Engine 17, the conversation took a slightly more serious tone.

"This is an important cause," said Huffman.

While the group of firefighter-paramedics and their chief discussed personal motivation and their collective work spanning nearly seven decades, their true colors became evident. It seems to be all about keeping the public informed and safe.