East Pierce Fire and Rescue firefighters were recognized last week for their efforts during the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a Why I Pink Award presented by Opes Advisors, a west coast mortgage and wealth management company with offices in Enumclaw, Seattle, Kirkland and Spokane. The company sponsored the Why I Pink campaign to bring awareness to all cancers, says Sara Monzo, Opes Advisors, Pacific Northwest director of marketing.

Monzo presented the award to East Pierce firefighters last Tuesday. The firefighters received a custom chalkboard donated by Something About Chalk of Enumclaw, and Emily Bort of Opes Advisors.

Every year the Benevolent Committee, the non-profit arm of the East Pierce Professional Firefighters, International Association of Firefighters Local 3520, raises money during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In years past, the funds raised were donated to a variety of local charities. This year, the committee selected the Carol Milgard Breast Center in Tacoma, which provides breast cancer screening for local residents. The donations will be used to provide screenings for those with a high risk factor who are not otherwise covered under their insurance plan.

In the past, the firefighters sold pink tee-shirts as their fundraiser. This year, the committee decided to sell pink bracelets inscribed with the words, “Hope, Strength, Love”. “This actually gave us a bigger profit margin and allowed us to give a larger donation,” said East Pierce Firefighter-Paramedic Erin Richardson, who headed up the campaign. According to Richardson the Committee raised $643 for the Cancer Center.

Monzo commended the East Pierce firefighters for their dedication to helping raise awareness in the community and ensuring that those who need screening receive the care they require.