Pink Fire Trucks Turn Heads in Central Florida

Orlando, Florida (September 29, 2017) – Orlando and Orange County firefighters will turn heads as they ride out to service calls this October in bright, pink fire engines and ambulances. 

Orlando Fire Department (OFD) and Orange County Fire Rescue Department (OCFR) each agreed to have two of their vehicles wrapped in pink for breast cancer awareness month, which begins October 1. The initiative is a partnership with Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center. 

“Breast cancer is a disease that touches the lives of so many people, including many of our very own in the fire rescue community,” says Roderick Williams, chief, Orlando Fire Department. “Wrapping our vehicles is a great way to support those affected by the disease and create awareness, which is so important to preventing, treating, and beating breast cancer.”

For the entire month of October, OFD’s Rescue 1 at Station 1, and Engine 5 out of Station 5, and OCFR’s Rescue 36 and Engine 33 will be wrapped in pink.

“Defeating breast cancer is going to take coordinated efforts, where partnerships are formed to find new, creative ways to increase awareness in our community,” says Otto Drozd, chief, Orange County Fire Rescue Department. “As first responders, we understand the ravages of cancer. This is why we cherish our relationship with Orlando Health which goes back many years. We’re excited to be part of Pink October and help lead efforts to ensure our community is as healthy as possible.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (not counting some forms of skin cancer). It is the most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women, and the second-most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

In 2017, an estimated 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 63,410 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer (www.breastcancer.org).     

“Breast cancer continues to derail the lives of many women and their families, so it’s important to continue to move forward in our search for a cure,” says Mark Roh, president, Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center. “Our patients can’t fight this disease alone and we can’t do it alone, either. We need the support of community partners like Orlando Fire Department and Orange County Fire Rescue to defeat breast cancer once and for all.”

The pink fire trucks were unveiled to the public during a press conference on the Orlando Health campus. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, along with leaders from OFD, OCFR, and Orlando Health were on hand to witness the unveiling.

About Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center

Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center is a collaboration of top cancer doctors and leading cancer researchers from Orlando Health and the University of Florida Health advancing new treatment options into clinical practice. One of Florida’s largest comprehensive cancer care providers with multiple locations across Central Florida, Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center offers specialized cancer treatment through a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses a team of medical specialists who work closely together to determine the best possible treatment for each patient. Signature programs include genetics, drug development, and biomarkers for personalized medicine. For more information visit www.orlandohealth.com/ufhealthcancercenterorlando.