Firefighters around the country are showing their support for the fight against breast cancer by donning the unmanly color pink. Some communities are even going so far as to turn their fire engines pink -- at least temporarily.
Dare I say, that pumper is adorable? I find something so endearing about this mass adoption of the cause, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. What is it that's so touching about firemen in pink? Is it that such a macho profession is standing up against a disease that primarily strikes women? Firefighters are touched by breast cancer, of course, though other cancers are more prevalent on the force. I like to think they're choosing to go pink to support the women in their lives -- mothers, sisters, grandmothers, daughters, female firefighters.
Firehouses know how to band together, whether it's to fight a fire or to make a statement to the world. A hunky fireman wearing pink is going to draw attention, which means media coverage, which means greater awareness. And just in case they're worried about this, the color pink doesn't take away from their manly appeal. Quite the opposite, in fact. A fireman donning his gear is just as droolworthy in a pink t-shirt.
Does it make a difference to those battling breast cancer? I can't imagine that it doesn't help to know all those brave men and women have your back.
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| A firefighter in Victoria, Texas, hugs his mother, a breast cancer sufferer. |
Have you seen other instances of your local fire department going pink this month? I'd love to hear about it!
Jennifer
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/12/nyregion/mayor-in-bristol-conn-now-says-firefighters-pink-shirts-are-fine.html
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/11/nyregion/bristol-conn-mayor-bans-pink-t-shirts-for-firefighters.html
First banned, then OK.
- Heather
Oops - NOT my local FD - I'm CA, not CT
DeleteInteresting story, Heather! Thanks for sharing that. One good thing about controversy is that it's good for sales. They've apparently skyrocketed in Bristol because of all the media attention. I also saw that the mayor's mother died from breast cancer, so it's interesting that he wanted to ban the t-shirts. I'm glad it worked out well in the end.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteIt's not our local FD but in Prince George's County, MD (right across the river from us), they have a pink firetruck and have been wearing pink tees for Breast Cancer Awareness month. In fact, they got in trouble over permits for 'selling' tees when in fact, they were giving a tee shirt to anyone who gave a donation. Never did hear if they got off the hook. Here's a link to their pic of their pink firetruck. : )
http://www.pgcvfra.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=132
My hometown volunteer Fire Department isn't going pink - but they are getting t-shirts and hoodies with Hurst Fire Department - Black Out Cancer - the shirts are black and have the wording and ribbon in pink!! When I get mine, I'll post a picture for you!!
ReplyDelete