For Immediate Release

Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Westbrook Fire Department to Wear Special Shirts in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

WESTBROOK, Maine — Chief Andrew Turcotte is pleased to announce that members of the Westbrook Fire and Rescue Department will wear special t-shirts throughout October to support Break Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM).

BCAM occurs every October and is an international health campaign that works to increase awareness about the disease and to raise money to support research into its cause, prevention efforts, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

Every year, Westbrook Firefighters and Paramedics wear a specially designed t-shirt to show their support for all those affected by breast cancer. This fall, the department has also created a special sleeve patch that will be worn on their Class B uniforms. Westbrook Fire and Rescue plans to wear the patches for the next three months to continue raising awareness through the end of the year.

“We are so proud to show our support each year by wearing these specialty shirts and this year, patches on our uniforms,” Chief Turcotte said. “This disease has affected so many people’s lives, many whom we know, and we want to do anything we can to help raise awareness and continue fighting for a cure.”

According to Susan G. Komen, it is estimated that there will be 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer and over 40,000 breast cancer deaths among U.S. women in 2017.

“These numbers are staggering and we all need to take a stand to stop this dreadful disease in its tracks,” Chief Turcotte added. “We also recognize that cancer rates, including breast cancer, are higher among firefighters than the general population and this is a great opportunity to raise public awareness to this alarming trend.”

Westbrook Firefighters will be selling this year’s specialty t-shirts and the uniform patches. Short-sleeve shirts can be purchased for $15, long-sleeve shirts can be purchased for $20, and patches can purchased for $5. Those who wish to purchase a shirt or patch can do so by stopping at the Westbook Public Safety Building, 570 Main St., or by emailing wfdforacure@westbrook.me.us. All proceeds go to the Cancer Community Center in South Portland and the Dempsey Center in Lewiston.

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