FLORIDA FIREFIGHTERS SAFETY AND HEALTH COLLABORATIVE

It is with profound sorrow that Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (#MDFR) announces the untimely passing of Captain William “Bill” Gustin. A nearly 50-year veteran of the fire service, his legacy has left an indelible mark on firefighters across the county and around the world. His passing is a tremendous loss—not only for MDFR but also for the countless individuals he mentored, inspired, and shaped throughout his extraordinary career. Captain Gustin dedicated his life to the fire service, beginning his journey in 1973 as a volunteer firefighter in the Chicago area. As a third-generation firefighter, he carried forward the proud legacy of his father and grandfather, who both served as officers in the Chicago Fire Department. In 1978, he joined MDFR, rising through the ranks to become a Lieutenant in 1983 and a Captain in 1986. For over thirty years, he led Engine 2—one of the busiest ladder companies in the nation—with unwavering dedication and expertise. Beyond his leadership on the fireground, Captain Gustin was a pillar of education and training in the fire service. He was a lead instructor for MDFR’s Officer Development Program, an educator at Miami-Dade College, and a driving force behind firefighter training programs across the United States and Canada. His expertise extended beyond our borders. His influence stretched far beyond his immediate colleagues—he was a guiding light in the fire service community. As a contributing editor and technical advisor for Fire Engineering Magazine and a founding member of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Working Group, he played a critical role in shaping the standards and practices that keep firefighters safe today. Captain Gustin was not only a mentor and teacher but also a hero. He was recognized by those in MDFR who exemplify his dedication to continuous learning and excellence. Capt. Gustin embodied the best of the fire service. He was a leader, a coach, a mentor, and above all, a friend. His legacy lives on in the thousands of firefighters he trained, the countless lives he touched, and the fire service he so dearly loved and transformed. People who care are ready to help. No one should feel like they have to face their battles alone. His loss leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his impact will be felt for generations. Let us honor his memory by carrying forward his passion for learning, dedication to safety, and deep love for the fire service. Rest in peace, Captain Gustin. Your legacy will endure in every firefighter you trained, every life you touched, and every lesson you imparted. The fire service is stronger because of you, and your impact will resonate for years to come.

According to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and other sources, Firefighters have a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer?and a 14 percent higher risk of dying from cancer than the general US population. However, multiple studies show decreased risk of many cancers when engaging in regular exercise. First and foremost, get checked regularly and include the appropriate screenings for your age, gender, and occupation. Reduce your exposures on the fireground and after the incident, and get moving! https://lnkd.in/e3nVZHm

Grateful to spend a few hours with personnel and observe them train at the ORLANDO FIRE CONFERENCE, LLC as well as facilitate a Clinician Awareness Program (CAP) led by the FLORIDA FIREFIGHTERS SAFETY AND HEALTH COLLABORATIVE! ?? “This is a two-day full immersion course designed for clinicians and healthcare providers who desire to gain insight about the unique firefighter culture in order to be more effective in treating firefighters.” https://lnkd.in/g8aSiNQs Takeaways: ?Time With Team ?? 10/10 ?Respectful Entry > Forcible Entry??? ?Stop the K12 blade before moving positions ?Lightweight roof construction - proceed with caution ?? https://lnkd.in/gni-PRjM. Kris Blume Fire Engineering ?Don’t ask a woman her age ?Culturally competent clinicians are learning (and caring for first responders) in communities throughout Florida #Learning #Leadership #MentalHealth #FireRescue #EMS #Decon Fire Department Safety Officers Association International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Center for Public Safety Excellence Congressional Fire Services Institute Valencia College

Yesterday, our Managing Director, Chief Frank Leeb, had the honor of being the keynote speaker at the Firefighter Cancer Initiative International Fire Service Cancer Symposium held at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (University of Miami Health System). Frank shared valuable insights on understanding the evolution of the fire environment and the importance of staying safe in the line of duty.

You may know they as Dr, Stephen Nimer Dr Erin Kobetz and Dr’s Alberto Caban-Martinez Dr Natasha Schaefer Solle, PhD of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami But help me Congratulate them to NEWLY promoted CHIEF Nimer, CHIEF Kobetz and CAPTAIN Caban Martinez and CAPTAIN Solle. Officially sworn in by Director JoAnne Rice MPA, CFO of the Division of State Fire Marshals Office. The Fire Service thanks you for all you have done for Firefighter Safety and Health and your continued commitment to #endcancer A big shout out to the FLORIDA FIREFIGHTERS SAFETY AND HEALTH COLLABORATIVE and Ten-8 Fire & Safety for making this happen! CONGRATULATIONS

Years ago, when I was a doctoral student, I connected with the FLORIDA FIREFIGHTERS SAFETY AND HEALTH COLLABORATIVE as they expanded into the West Central region. Today, their growth is remarkable and commendable. This year at the International Fire Service Cancer Symposium, I was able to see friends old and new who are doing incredible work to change the game when it comes to firefighter health and safety. I haven’t presented a poster in person since my own cancer journey…so it was great to jump back into my research and share some things we are working on at DC Fire and EMS Department. To combat occupational cancer effectively, inclusivity is key. We need researchers, firefighters, physicians, and policymakers united at the table. Together, we are strong. It's crucial to act now. Reach out to your state representatives/elected officials. Advocate for expanding presumptive laws and supporting the critical resources, like AFG. Educate them on the vital significance of this research and what it means for the fire service. #FirefighterSafety #HealthResearch #exposuretracking #occupationalcancer