County Firefighters and Medics Wear Pink to Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer

Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department is showing support for Breast Cancer Awareness month with its members donning pink shirts, designed by a member of the department, starting last Sunday and going through the end of the month.

"The color 'pink' has become symbolic of breast cancer awareness. I am authorizing the change in work uniforms during this time to help with awareness efforts,” said Prince George's County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor in a release.

The initiative, called PGFD CARES, was organized by a group of the departments firefighters and medics to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. That group had hoped to sell 200 of the T-shirts to other members of the department after Chief Bashoor granted an exception to the departmental uniforms for a week. Nearly 1,200 T-shirts were sold and with such an overwhelming response, the chief extended the exception through the end of the month.

Chief Bashoor stated, "If not you, we all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. This is an opportunity for us to show our support and I know that the men and women of this Department will do their part to support this worthy cause."

The funds raised from the T-shirts totaled over $10,000, which will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. A group of firefighters and medics will also be participating in this weekend’s Walk for the Cure.

“Prince George’s County is united in our fight against breast cancer, which impacts so many of our neighbors, family members, and friends,” said County Executive Rushern L. Baker. “It is important that we take this time to increase awareness of the effect that this disease has on our community, as well as the importance of finding and beating cancer early while encouraging our residents to get proper screenings.”