Sisters and Brothers, Firestrong is an independently operated online resource for members of the Fire Service and their families. The mission of Firestrong is to offer mental, emotional, and physical support to each member of the fire department and their families by providing educational tools, resources, crisis intervention assistance (crisis line) and peer support services. The Professional Fire Fighters of Maine has partnered with Firestrong and have incorporated their resources into the PFFMaine’s Behavioral Health Response Program.

By Diane Atwood Two years ago, 43-year-old Maine firefighter Mike Nixon was diagnosed with malignant melanoma — the most dangerous form of skin cancer. “I had a spot develop in a weird place on my ear,” he says. “It wasn’t on top where you’d think people would get skin cancer, where there is sun exposure.

By Caitlin Burchill Posted Wednesday, December 4th, 2013 Firefighters risk their lives daily for those in the community. A scientist says there are many health risks involved and what protects them is part of the problem. Caitlin Burchill explains. ==== The Orrington Fire Chief wants to protect his crew at all costs.

Study: Exposure to flame retardant chemicals means firefighters face higher cancer risk than previously thought ELLSWORTH, Maine — New research by a Blue Hill scientist shows that during a fire, firefighters are exposed to dangerous levels of toxic, cancer-causing chemicals created when commercial flame retardants burn.

Sisters and Brothers, The cancer epidemic is leaving its mark on families all over Maine, but firefighters are getting hit even harder than most. Firefighters are getting cancer at alarming rates -- sometimes more than DOUBLE the cancer rates in the general public.