PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Cancer affects everybody.

 

The city firefighters know that well, with three members currently battling the disease. This month the Fire Department is paying tribute to those who are battling breast cancer and their families.

 

The union, Pittsfield Fire Fighters Local 2647, purchased new pink shirts for all 96 members of the department to wear as their uniform for the month of October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

"Obviously cancer touches everyone's lives, especially it seems, in Pittsfield and Berkshire County. We have three members battling cancer. We just want to show support," Lt. Jim Heath said. 

 

"It is breast cancer awareness month and pink is the symbol for breast cancer. The union bought shirts for everyone and we wear them as our uniform in tribute to all of those who suffered or are suffering from cancer."

 

It is the sixth year the department has been wearing pink for the month. The union purchased the first round of shirts in 2012 and those were worn for the next three years. In 2015, the union bought more. And the union again has restocked the firefighters. 

 

The wearing of pink has proliferated nationally to raise awareness of the issue and support those suffering from it. It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her life.