Firefighting cancer: Department raising awareness with new look

Madison Fire and Rescue

Members of the Madison Fire and Rescue are sporting the new look to raise money, and awareness, for breast cancer research.

Paramedic and driver Jason Tidwell said the department got the idea from the Orange Beach Fire Department, who even went a step further in sporting a pink fire truck.

“It’s kind of odd seeing a firefighter wearing a pink shirt, but it brings attention,” Tidwell said.

Although October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tidwell said the department wanted to do something now.

“People should be aware of breast cancer year round, not just in October,” Tidwell said.

Tidwell’s late grandmother, Mildred Scott, was diagnosed with breast cancer many years ago, and he said several others in the department have had friends and family affected by the disease.

“It’s near and dear to a lot of people here at the department,” Tidwell said.

The department is selling the shirts for $15 apiece through the month of July, and Tidwell said they have already sold nearly 650.

“We want to sell all of them,” Tidwell said. “Our goal is to donate at least $10,000, and we plan to do something like this every year.”

All the money raised will be donated to the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund.

Shirts can be purchased at Station No. 1 at 101 Mill Road.