The Turlock Fire Department is going pink and hopes the city and all its residents will join them.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October the fire department will be substituting their normal blue uniform and donning specially designed pink T-shirts to support breast cancer research and treatment.
The fire department also will be selling the T-shirts with all the profits going to Emanuel Cancer Center. The T-shirts have been purchased by the Turlock Firefighters Local 2434 union.
“These days, we’re all touched by somebody with cancer, whether it is family, friends, or a co-worker,” said Turlock Fire Chief Tim Lohman. “This is a real positive event that will raise awareness not just for breast cancer, but for all cancers.”
The latest studies from the National Cancer Institute estimate that one out of eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives.
The campaign got the support of the City Council Tuesday night when a proclamation was issued in praise of the firefighter’s work.
“We are deeply appreciative for the support of our City Council, and city staff to help our department bring more awareness to breast cancer,” Lohman said. “The firefighters had this vision, made the proposal, and they have done a great deal of work to help this be a successful program. We also want to thank our partners at Emanuel Cancer Center for their assistance and support. We believe this is the first year of a great partnership that will last many years to come.”
The T-shirts, designed largely by Turlock firefighter Matt Campos, feature a water hose looped in the fashion of the symbolic pink ribbon. The shirts sell for $15 and are available in men and women’s sizes. Shirts can be purchased online at turlockfirefighters.org or in person at the gift shop at Emanuel Medical Center at 825 Delbon Ave., or at the Turlock Certified Farmers’ Market, held each Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Broadway and Main.
In addition to the T-shirt sales, the fire department will be holding a fundraiser at Chili’s in Turlock on Oct. 25. Diners who present a flyer from the fire department will have 15 percent of the check donated to Emanuel Cancer Center. Flyers will be available soon by visiting turlockfirefighters.org.
