Fire Crews Go Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Tough crews at Monarch Fire Protection District and West County EMS and Fire Protection District are showing their sensitive side this month by wearing pink T-shirts in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

The two agencies join many others across the country in replacing their normal uniform with the brightly colored T-shirts throughout October. The effort is aimed at raising awareness and money to fund cancer reasearch.

The shirts have become somewhat of a tradition for Monarch firefighters, who have been donning the shirts for the last several years. Chief Tom Vineyard said new shirts are designed each year. 

"We just do it to show our suppport," he said. "There are various members of our department who have been affected."

Firefighters purchase the T-shirts themselves and the proceeds are donated to No Woman Left Behind. Vineyard said they chose this method to raise awareness because the bright pink clothing can really draw people's attention.

Monarch Fire Marshal Roger Herin said the technic works and people often stop and thank the firefighters for doing it. If you'd also like to show your support, you can purchase one of the pink T-shirts by calling the fire district at (314) 514-0900. 

The Monarch Fire Protection District provides fire and EMS services to various parts of Chesterfield, Ballwin, Clarkson Valley, Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, Wildwood and unincorporated St. Louis County.

The West County EMS and Fire Protection District covers 21 square miles including Manchester, Town and Country, Ballwin, Des Peres, Valley Park, Winchester, the Village of Twin Oaks and unincorporated St. Louis County.