Cancer prevention and PPE in the fire service episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 3, 2025 · 21 MIN

Cancer prevention and PPE in the fire service

from Fire Fighting in Canada: The Podcast

Fire Chief Clarence Coolen shares his personal battle with cancer and how that experience motivated him to prioritize cancer prevention for the Hubbards District Volunteer Fire Department in Nova Scotia by securing new PFAS-free turnout gear for his entire crew — and securing the $170,000 budget for new safety equipment was no easy feat. This is one of several challenges of being a rural fire chief that Chief Coolen addresses, ultimately advising other small-department chiefs to advocate fiercely for their members' safety.

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Cancer prevention and PPE in the fire service

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How long is this episode of Fire Fighting in Canada: The Podcast?

This episode is 21 minutes long.

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This episode was published on October 3, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Fire Chief Clarence Coolen shares his personal battle with cancer and how that experience motivated him to prioritize cancer prevention for the Hubbards District Volunteer Fire Department in Nova Scotia by securing new PFAS-free turnout gear for his...

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