AUGUSTA – Rep. Stephan Bunker, D-Farmington, was recognized by the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission for his efforts to reduce cancer among firefighters at the annual joint conference of the Maine Fire Chiefs Association, held at Sunday River Resort on March 26.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized for my advocacy on this important issue,” said Bunker. “Firefighters nationwide are at an increased risk of cancer due to the carcinogens and chemicals we are exposed to. As a five-year cancer survivor myself, I know how serious and frightening it can be. I’ll never stop fighting to keep our firefighters safe.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters.
Bunker, a 46-year volunteer firefighter in Farmington, was at the conference to announce grant awards to 36 Maine fire departments for the purchase of certain equipment that can help limit firefighters’ exposure to harmful, cancer-causing chemicals. Eligible equipment includes heavy-duty washing machines for gear cleaning and the installation of diesel exhaust systems, both of which can reduce exposure to toxic particulates and gases that contribute to high cancer rates among firefighters.
These grants were a 2023 measure that was sponsored by then-Rep. Scott Landry, D-Farmington, at Bunker’s request. The bill, LD 516, created the Firefighter Safety Equipment Fund, allowing the Maine Fire Protection Services Committee to provide grants to fire departments to help limit firefighters’ exposure to harmful chemicals.
Beyond his membership on the Fire Commission, Bunker has been on a personal campaign to train all firefighters in Maine in best practices to reduce unnecessary exposures to carcinogens, travelling statewide at no cost to the departments. Over recent months, he has met with dozens of fire departments to discuss best practices as it relates to protecting the health of firefighters.
Bunker is serving his first term in the Maine House of Representatives and serves on both the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. He represents House District 75, which includes Farmington and Chesterville.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Bunker) | 305-965-2744
Photo: Rep. Stephan Bunker, D-Farmington, was recognized by the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission for his efforts to reduce cancer among firefighters. He is joined by Rep. Michel Lajoie, D-Lewiston and Sen. Scott Cyrway, R-Kennebec.