Lake Firefighters Care Enough To Wear Pink

TAVARES, FL – Lake County Firefighters will be donning pink uniform shirts once again this October. “The wearing of the pink shirts is not only symbolic of our support of the women of our community, but it also promotes awareness” explains Lt. Brian Gamble, Vice President of the Professional Firefighters of Lake County.  In addition to wearing the pink uniform shirts, the firefighter’s charity is also selling their shirts. “All the proceeds we raise stay right here in Lake County, to help cancer programs locally” Gamble states. “Last year we were able to raise enough money to sponsor around 20 grants for mammograms here in Lake County through Waterman and South Lake Hospitals. These grants helped women that could not afford the cost of the mammogram”.

The Pink Fire Truck will also hit the streets on October 1^st for different “pink” events throughout the month. The Lake County Firefighter Charity owns and operates the pink firetruck. “It serves as a mobile tribute to the women of our community”. People are allowed to sign the fire truck in honor or memory of a loved one battling cancer. “The pink fire truck is a free program we offer to the community. The truck has local businesses that graciously “sponsor” the truck to help keep up maintenance, fuel, and repairs. These awesome businesses help keep it free for the community.” Gamble states. The pink fire truck is a retired fire truck that used to fight fires in Lake County, and was taken over by the charity and painted pink once it retired. “We like to say, this truck used to save lives by fighting fires. Now it saves lives by fighting cancer”.

The firefighters encourage everyone to join them in wearing their pink shirts for October. “We love for businesses, schools, offices, restaurants, you name it to take a picture of their staff all dressed up in the pink shirts and share their pictures on our Facebook page. It is really cool to see everyone be a part of Turning Lake County Pink.  We will actually “certify” these places as “Pink Certified” and give them a sticker or plaque that they can proudly display in their business.”

Firefighters will be at the Mt. Dora and Lady Lake Chick-fil-a on Fridays from 11AM to 2PM selling their new pink shirts this year. Shirts are also available at the Crooked Spoon in Clermont and online at www.lakefirefightercharity.org