A firefighter’s smoke-stained gear and burn-marked helmet are almost badges of honor, says Olympia Fire Department Capt. Jim Brown, but they’re examples of subtle dangers contributing to higher rates of cancer among people in the industry.
At age 49, Brown flashes another image these days. “Hold Fast” is tattooed with the letters on his fingers just below the knuckles. A nautical term for persevering, etched a few years ago in tribute to his Coast Guard father, the quote has added meaning today as Brown fights stage 4 lung cancer.