Boston Fire Department highlights cancer screenings, EAP and fitness programs in wellness update

Boston Fire Department leaders told the Ways and Means Committee on May 13 that health, safety and wellness programs — a mix of grant‑funded and operating items — are central to firefighter support and retention.

Deputy Commissioner Kevin Coyne summarized recent wellness activity, saying a grant‑funded program enabled the department to “provide cancer cancer screenings, blood work, full body scans for I think we did over 400 firefighters.” He described the screening work as part of a broader safety, health and wellness line in the department’s budget and said some services are funded through federal grants.

Panelists described multiple wellness elements tied to the department’s training and cadet pipelines: fitness trainers, dietician services tied to grants, employee assistance program (EAP) counseling, and peer‑support and critical incident stress management teams that respond after major incidents. Michael Gaskins, discussing cadets, said the cadet curriculum “includes assistance with the EAP program. They're directly connected to them.”

Councilors raised concerns about long‑term health impacts on firefighters and family exposure to contaminants. Commissioner Paul Burke and other leaders described precautions and facility investments — including new washer systems and policies to isolate contaminated gear — intended to reduce carcinogen exposure on turnout gear and limit take‑home contamination, while acknowledging that hazards vary by incident.

The committee heard no formal policy change; councilors sought additional budget detail on the department’s operating line for safety, health and wellness and pressed for confirmation that mental‑health services are funded in the operating budget as well as by grants.