In September of 2023, I was honored to attend the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony. Norwood Firefighters Local 1631 member, John Bellanti, was one of the 500+ names etched on the Wall of Honor. Johnny B, like 75% of those memorialized, died in the line of duty due to occupational cancer and unfortunately 306 more names will be placed on the Wall this September.

These numbers are staggering and have taken a devastating toll on the lives of our brothers and sisters, their families and friends. I applaud the efforts of IAFF General President Ed Kelly , District 3 VP Jay Colbert and the rest of the IAFF Eboard for making cancer initiatives their top priority. I am also extremely proud of President Rich McKinnon, Sec/Treasurer Billy Cabral, Chief of Staff Rob Green and the entire Executive Board of the PFFM for leading the charge against occupational cancer.

All of the funds raised by Team Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts will be earmarked towards firefighter cancer initiatives done at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. With your help we can do our part to putting an end to cancer in the fire service.

All MAPFRE insurance customers will receive a 5% discount on their policies if they donate $50 to the PMC. If you are donating to the PMC, we urge you to donate to Team Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts.

Thanks again,

Paul Ronco