Council proclaims January Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month after union testimony

Lincoln City Council on Jan. 26 unanimously adopted a proclamation declaring January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month after council remarks and testimony from the Lincoln Firefighters Association.

A councilmember read the proclamation, noting that, “Occupational cancer is now the leading cause of line of duty deaths among professional firefighters,” and asked the council to support the declaration. Adam Shrunk, identified in the transcript as president of the Lincoln Firefighters Association, described firefighters’ repeated exposures and urged continued local and legislative action. “Scientifically we know we're at a significantly higher risk. 1 and a half to 2 times more likely to develop a lot of different cancers,” Shrunk said, and referenced the HONOR Act and the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act at the federal level.

Multiple councilmembers expressed support, praising the department’s professionalism and the importance of health monitoring, prevention and follow-up care. The clerk recorded roll-call votes showing the proclamation passed unanimously (7–0). The proclamation was described as a local recognition intended to support education, prevention and prospective policy discussion at other government levels.