The delegates at the 70th annual convention of The New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association recently held in Saratoga Springs, New York unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc.

THE RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, cancer is recocognized as one of the deadliest diseases known to mankind; and

WHEREAS, cancer does not discriminate, but affects people from all walks of life regardless of age, gender or health; and

WHEREAS, firefighters face the risk of contracting certain forms of cancer two to four times greater than does the general population as per a number of bona fide medical studies; and

WHEREAS, Experts from the American Cancer Society, the Center for Disease Control and other organizations have repeatedly stated that advances in cancer treatments, early detection and an eventual cure for cancer will only come through cancer research; and

WHEREAS, of the more than 1,000 new cancer research grant applications received each year by the American Cancer Society, currently only 10% can be funded; and

WHEREAS, one organization, The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc., a non profit 501(C) 3 organization has been established for the sole purpose of raising funding for cancer research - specifically those cancers where firefighters have a greater incidence than does the general population; and

WHEREAS, firefighters have a long history of caring, making a difference in the lives of people and support organizations which facilitate care, change and improve the lives of mankind; and

WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society has partnered with, supports, and endorses the efforts of The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, all board members of The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc. are either active or retired professional firefighters or individuals with close ties to the professional firefighter service and none receive any salary or stipend; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association recognize, support and encourage their members to assist the efforts of The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc.

The resolution was unanimously adopted by the convention delegates duly convened in session on July 16, 2008.

On behalf of the entire board of The Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund, Inc. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every delegate from across New York State for their support and their encouagement in passing this resolution. A special "THANK YOU" goes out to the members of host local I.A.F.F. 343, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. for a truly remarkable & enjoyable convention. - Sincerely & Fraternally, Bill Newland, President