IV 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 601 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 26, 2009 Mrs. McCarthy of New York (for herself, Mrs. Lowey, and Mr. Courtney) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Recognizing and honoring the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

Whereas in 2005, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network was founded by Michael Dubron who recruited cancer survivors, caregivers, and volunteers; Whereas the objective of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network is to provide timely assistance to all fire servicemembers and their immediate families in the event of cancer diagnosis; Whereas the Firefighter Cancer Support Network maintains a database of mentors who have personal experience with many types of cancers and will personally guide others through the process of dealing with specific illnesses; Whereas the Firefighter Cancer Support Network provides awareness to fire servicemembers and their families about the importance of cancer prevention and screening by coordinating educational opportunities with various health programs; Whereas the unfortunate truth is that the rewards of career firefighting come with a greater risk of cancer, supported by studies that have shown firefighters are more likely to develop certain types of cancer compared with the general population, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and multiple myeloma; and Whereas the Firefighter Cancer Support Network encourages firefighters to take precautions when on duty, including avoiding or limiting exposure to carcinogens, removing protective equipment only in areas deemed safe, keeping safety equipment on the apparatus floor and not in living quarters, and taking a shower immediately after exposure to any fire or call that may include exposure to toxins: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)commends the Firefighter Cancer Support Network for the support its members provide to fire servicemembers and their families facing cancer; (2)commends the Firefighter Cancer Support Network for the awareness it brings to fire servicemembers and their families about cancer prevention and screening; and (3)encourages fire service organizations to provide information to fire servicemembers about the Firefighter Cancer Support Network so that fire servicemembers affected by cancer are able to take advantage of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and its services.