'I certainly do not want to see anyone suffer from cancer': Firefighting instructor preaches fire safety amid cancer battle
The Arcola Fire Department is a place where North Carolina firefighting instructor Jimmy Strickland feels right at home. It is one of many departments where Strickland has provided training over the years.
Strickland started his career as a volunteer firefighter in Davie County, where he worked for 24 years. Today, he volunteers with the Darlington Fire Department in addition to his training position.
"Serving people and trying to help people, I guess that’s in my DNA," Strickland said.
Strickland is well known across eastern North Carolina for his involvement in different fire departments. He said he’s trained about 3,000 people in his career.
"I’ve had my picture taken. I’ve had my name in the paper," Strickland said. "I’ve got a wall full of awards. They are wonderful, and I love them all, but I’m to the point in my life I want to convey a different story now."
In November, Strickland was diagnosed with stage-4 melanoma. Since his diagnosis, he’s been raising awareness in his classes about the dangers firefighters face.
"I spent one full hour talking about turnout gear, air packs, boots and everything. I said, ‘Y’all, this is very important to me, not just filling space. I’ve got cancer.’"
Studies have shown, for years, that firefighters are exposed to several known cancer-causing toxins while on the job, whether it’s what’s burning or the chemicals they use to suppress the flames. Firefighters’ latest worry is what they wear for protection. Cancer-causing PFAS or forever chemicals are utilized to make their gear water-repellent.
In 2022, the state began making payments from a new $15 million fund to help firefighters who have developed cancer.
Strickland now preaches prevention in every one of his classes.
"We are probably killing ourselves," Strickland said. "So now, [I say] ‘wash your suit, wash your helmet, wash your gloves, don’t carry your stuff home.’"
After losing his wife to breast cancer and knowing several volunteer firefighters suffering from the disease, Strickland wants to use his time to educate people.
"I certainly do not want to see anyone suffer from cancer," he said.
Strickland is beloved among the Arcola Fire Department and beyond. In February, Strickland was made an official Honorary Firefighter for Arcola Fire Department for his service.
Strickland said he plans to keep teaching as long as he can.
"I don’t know that I could’ve wished my job to be better," Strickland said.
