Firefighters put their lives on the line around the clock to protect families. Surprisingly, it’s not always the direct flames that injure or kill the first responders. Firefighters may not learn about the true dangers associated with their battles for years.
“There’s a lot of risks up until death. you accept that,” said Dwayne McKeaver, First Class Firefighter for Southern Manatee Fire Rescue.
McKeaver has battled a lot more than just flames and smoke during his 15 years as a Southern Manatee firefighter. He entered the fight for his life in 2017, when he was diagnosed twice with melanoma, and most recently, colon cancer.
“I think it’s been given to me for a reason to educate other people and work throughout the state to educate the other firefighters,” explained McKeaver.