Local firefighters and police officers will be donning pink in upcoming days to support the fight against breast cancer.
Firefighters with the Louisville Fire Protection District on Tuesday wore pink T-shirts featuring a firefighter logo on the back and the slogan “Cares Enough to Wear Pink.”
“I never wear pink,” said firefighter Shawn Stark, who is, however, more than willing to wear the shirt to support those battling breast cancer.
“Chances are,” she said, “every one of us will be affected by this (breast cancer) in their lifetime” — if not that person directly, then perhaps a family member or another loved one.
Women, typically, are more comfortable wearing pink than men are, but Stark’s male colleagues said the shirts won’t be a problem.
James Bage said he couldn’t care less about the color: a faded, light pink.
The 38-year-old firefighter of 11 years said he welcomes the change.
“Here’s a chance to wear a comfortable T-shirt all week,” Bage said. “I’ll put them on.”
Louisville, which has 60 volunteer and nine career firefighters, will have all of its on-duty members wearing the shirts Thursday through Tuesday.
This month’s pink push is in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Other fire and police departments taking part in the pink program include the North Metro Fire Rescue District, West Metro Fire Protection District and Broomfield Police Department.
Saturday through Monday, North Metro firefighters will hand out “Breast Care Diaries,” pocket guides with information on screenings, mammograms and exam-tracking records.
Also over the weekend, West Metro firefighters will wear pink ribbons on their uniforms and magnetic pink ribbons will adorn their firetrucks, said district spokeswoman Cindy Matthews.
Louisville firefighter Ben Carter, 22, who has volunteered for four years, said of the shirts: “It’s just another way for us to save lives, by raising awareness.”
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com
