Mesa Fire highlights cancer‑prevention screenings, credits early detection
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Summary
Mesa Fire leaders reported the department’s cancer‑prevention work since FY2019–20, noting a $210,000 local allocation and more than $2 million in grant funding that supported full‑body MRI screenings, exhaust removal systems, turnout cleaning and other measures that have identified cancer in 13 members.
A department presenter reviewed the Fire and Medical Department’s cancer‑prevention program and thanked city management and council for multi‑year support. Staff said the city budgeted $210,000 from the public‑safety sales tax in fiscal year 2019–20 for cancer‑prevention efforts and that the program has also secured over $2 million in grant funding to support screenings and station improvements.
Program elements described on the record included full‑body MRI screenings, exhaust‑extraction systems in apparatus bays, relocation of turnout storage and cleaning processes, blood tests and a “clean cab” initiative. The presenter said the program has identified cancer in 13 members to date; several cases led to early treatment and the staff member remaining on duty or retiring with care as needed.
Council members and the mayor praised the program as both a safety and recruitment benefit. City leadership confirmed the program will continue to be supported in the near term and noted this budget presentation was the department chief’s final such briefing before retirement.
No formal action was taken; council and staff used the study session to recognize the program’s outcomes and to confirm ongoing funding conversations as part of the broader budget process.
