Good Vibes Only: El Paso Fire Department goes pink this October

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)—Members of the El Paso Fire Department are sporting a pop of pink on their uniforms this October! They are wearing pink badges to stand with those battling breast cancer.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to promote early detection, raise funds for research and support patients and survivors.

Chief Jonathan Killings said the pink badge is a symbol of unification. "Everybody's always proud to wear their badge, their fire department badge, and what it represents. So now we can just change it up a little bit and help support the cause, a good cause,” Chief Killings said.

He also said wearing the badges demonstrates that the department stands in solidarity with those impacted by cancer.

“When we say we serve the community, we do it in many ways, and being able to bring awareness to such an important cause is another way that we can use our platform to, you know, amplify that awareness. And if just one person goes out and gets tested or does some early screening, you know, it pays off and you can help save lives.”

Chief Killings told ABC-7 that many of the firefighters have been personally affected by breast cancer, so many are eager to show their support.

“We had several firefighters jump at the opportunity to get the badges and wear them. We've even had some whose wives are currently battling breast cancer. They're already wearing the badges, you know, in support of their loved ones,” he added.

Chief Killings hopes the new additions to the uniform will raise awareness and get many talking.

“If it just reminds somebody, hey, you know what? I'm going to go get screened, early screening or just sparks a conversation with a loved one about some concerns or causes you to have a conversation with your with your doctor or something, and again, leads to an early diagnosis and a positive outcome. Then, you know, we did our job.”

Additionally, the El Paso Fire Department has partnered with the American Cancer Society to bring the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer giant pink inflatable chair to different fire stations throughout October.

Residents are encouraged to visit the participating fire stations and take pictures with the chair and learn more about breast cancer.

Those who donate to the American Cancer Society will also receive a limited-edition pink El Paso Fire Department patch, while supplies last.

The pink chair will be on display at the following dates and locations.