January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths. In 2021, Gilbert Town Council approved the purchase of a second set of turnouts for every Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department (GFRD) firefighter to ensure they always have clean gear for their next call. These turnouts are tailored to specifically fit each individual firefighter and contain cancer-blocking agents within the gear. GFRD also follows the Lavender Ribbon Report for Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer. GFRD also contracts with an outside agency to perform annual physicals on each member of the department. In addition to evaluating fitness levels, these physicals also check for any warning signs of cancer.