FDC Foundation Raising Funds in Partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network

What’s the No. 1 cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service?

It’s not fire.

It’s cancer.

At the 2022 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, nearly 75% of the names added to the wall (348 out of 469) were members who had died from occupational cancer.

That’s why January has been designated Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re joining in the effort to raise awareness about this critical issue. We’re joining dedicated organizations that want to support firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as help fire departments across the country understand the root of the problem and do what they can to protect firefighters whenever possible.

How can you help?

It couldn’t be easier. Throughout January, we will have a feature at checkout where you can add a donation to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network anytime you make a purchase.

The Firefighter Cancer Support Network is one of our favorite organizations — and not only because they took such great care of our Chief Roaster David McWilliams during his cancer battle. They provide toolboxes full of resources for firefighters and family members diagnosed with cancer, as well as badge-to-badge mentorship to help shepherd those diagnosed through their journey.

In the spring of 2022, the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation delivered a check for $5,000 to FCSN, all made possible by our customers, who are passionate about not just great coffee but also about supporting us in our mission to give back to ill or injured first responders.

With your help, we can continue making an impact to help firefighters living with cancer and to help improve the system and prevent future cancer diagnoses.

Firefighters Face an Elevated Risk of Developing Fatal Cancer

FCSN and the International Association of Firefighters teamed up to introduce Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and support the first responder community.

They’ve created a complete education program that spans the month of January and gives departments an opportunity to educate their members about increased cancer risks and exposures.

Studies have shown that firefighters are more than twice as likely as the average person to develop testicular cancer and mesothelioma, and they’re at significantly elevated risks of being diagnosed with several more types of cancer, including multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, brain cancer, prostate cancer and more.

Overall, firefighters have a 9% greater chance of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% greater chance of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population.

Coffee for a Cause

The Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation remains committed to supporting ill or injured first responders and the organizations that work directly with them. Each year, we’ve been able to make greater contributions and more of an impact.

We owe that all to you.

From supporting firefighter access to mental health care to helping those injured in the line of duty. You've helped us do so much

Now we’d love to have your support as we take on the No. 1 job-related cause of death in the fire service. So when you order your coffee throughout December and January, please consider making a donation to FCSN. No matter how big or small the gift, you’re helping save lives.

We will be forever grateful.