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Pinellas Park proclaims Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, highlights life-saving screenings; Public Works lauded as first responders
Summary
Mayor Sandra Lee Bradbery presented a proclamation designating January 2025 as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and firefighters described earlier cancer detection through city wellness screenings; council also noted a prior resolution recognizing Public Works as first responders for storm and emergency response.
Mayor Sandra Lee Bradbery presented a proclamation designating January 2025 as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, citing higher occupational cancer risks for firefighters and urging early detection through routine screenings.
“Mammograms, PSA tests and wellness checks can save lives,” Mayor Sandra Lee Bradbery said as she signed the proclamation and presented it to members of Local 2193.
Chris Huffman, identified in the meeting as the Local 2193 union president, told the council the department has put new station decontamination and exhaust systems in place and emphasizes screening and prevention. “We’re doing everything we can on our part to reduce that risk,” Huffman said.
Firefighter-paramedic Derek Turowski described having kidney cancer detected during a city physical and credited Life Scan screenings and timely surgery for his recovery. “It was stage two. I’ve been three years clean now,” Turowski said, thanking the department and the city for support.
Council members also recognized the Public Works Department’s role during recent hurricanes. The council noted that on Nov. 26 it unanimously approved Resolution No. 2432 designating Public Works professionals as first responders for their role in storm response, debris removal and maintaining utilities.
Vice Mayor Sedo and other council members commended crews for long shifts restoring services and keeping residents safe. A Public Works employee, Dron, said the department’s teamwork and family-friendly culture made him proud to work for the city.
The presentation was ceremonial; no city policy or new funding was adopted at this meeting. The city clerk noted the fire department is selling ornaments to raise money for a benevolent fund that supports families and colleagues in need.
