By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The San Antonio Fire Department reported that no firefighters have died from cancer since 2023, marking a significant change after eight cancer-related line-of-duty deaths from 2013 through 2023.
• Department officials attribute the outcome to enhanced cancer-prevention practices, including wellness fairs, updated cleaning protocols, and gear replacement programs.
• Firefighter screenings at wellness events have resulted in early detection of health issues among personnel.
• The next department wellness fair offering cancer screening and education is scheduled for Feb. 7–8.
SAN ANTONIO, TX — The San Antonio Fire Department announced that no members have died from cancer since 2023, a marked decline following a decade that saw multiple line-of-duty cancer fatalities, officials said.
Department leaders credited a comprehensive cancer-prevention initiative that includes on-duty wellness fairs, reinforced policies on gear and personal decontamination, and investment in replacement turnout gear to reduce exposure to carcinogens.
Firefighter and paramedic screenings during these wellness events have led to early detection of conditions that could become cancer, department personnel said, highlighting the impact of improved health monitoring.
Emergency Services Deputy Chief Brandon Murray said the department’s shift toward prioritizing health and cancer prevention represents a cultural change that supports long-term well-being for firefighters.
The department plans a wellness fair for Feb. 7–8 at its training academy, where active and retired personnel can receive skin and esophageal cancer screening, full-body scans and guidance for additional testing.
