Bradley Davidson has served as a firefighter since 1981.
He currently serves as the Regional Director for the Canadian Association of Fire Investigators and Manitoba Crime Stoppers. He's the provincial director for the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association. His first post was with the Flin Flon Fire Department.
Last year, he spent three weeks fighting fires in the northern part of the province when 300 homes were lost in Denare Beach.
"Being in the fire service is about giving your time, and being of service to others," said Davidson. "The service has been good to me. I think I owe it to the younger generation to give back to them."
He also volunteers for Swan Valley Citizens on Patrol. Davidson says being a firefighter is rewarding and he encourages anyone interested to check it out. In the Parkland, the Winnipegosis Fire Department is actively recruiting firefighters.
With over 40 years of heavy industrial safety, emergency response, and fire investigation service, Davidson has founded the Canadian Firefighter Cancer Foundation. It's a national charitable organization dedicated to raising awareness of occupational cancers among firefighters. It will support firefighters, their families, and advance education and prevention initiatives. It will also advocate for improved firefighter health across the country.
The foundation was created in response to the growing impact of cancer within the Canadian fire service and the urgent need for a dedicated national organization focused on support, awareness, and action.
He also lost four friends to cancer. They were all firefighters. Firefighters often encounter hazardous environments that expose them to known and suspected carcinogens.
"Most recently, there was a firefighter in Flin Flon who was a pillar of the department and community," said Davidson. "I didn't even know he was sick. He had 47 years of service. I was grieving over his loss. I was his roommate for nearly 10 years when I was in Flin Flon."
The foundation's mission is to support firefighters and their families affected by cancer after diagnosis, and beyond and to promote cancer prevention and awareness initiatives. It will also fund and support firefighter health programs, create national awareness campaigns focused on firefighter health and wellness, and build partnerships with fire services, researchers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations across Canada.
As a firefighter himself for 41 years, Bradley knows being a firefighter isn't for everyone. He thanks those who serve and protect, often putting their lives at risk to help and make a difference.
"It's a critical service that needs to be there. Firefighters put their lives on the line every day for us," said Davidson. "I think it's up to us to support them. Members of the service and public. Right now, firefighter cancer is the number one killer of firefighters. That needs to change."
As part of its national launch, the foundation invites fire departments, firefighter organizations, healthcare professionals, researchers, sponsors, and community members to join its mission of improving firefighter health and cancer awareness throughout Canada.
If you're interested in becoming a part of the foundation, you can contact Bradley at 204-271-2248.
