Council resolution supports RFD pink campaign

Fighting any form of cancer is not an easy thing to do, but this October, Russellville Fire Department is working to give those affected by breast cancer a sign of hope by wearing pink for the remainder of the month.

The city council passed a resolution Oct. 7 to name the month of October “Cares Enough to Wear Pink Month” for the Russellville Fire Department.

“Whereas firefighters normally wear blue shirts, for the month of October they will wear pink and give an image of hope and courage for those who worry about being alone in their battle for life,” the resolution declares.

Russellville Fire Chief Joe Mansell said he is proud to have the fire department support such a great cause.

“We hope people will see us in our pink, and hopefully it will mean something to someone,” Mansell said. “Maybe to someone out there who is battling cancer, we will brighten their day by showing that we care enough to wear pink and support them.”

The fire department will have special pink uniform shirts for the month, and the RFD is also encouraging the Russellville community to join in support by wearing pink throughout the month.

The fire department is selling pink shirts to encourage participations, and proceeds from the shirts go to Russellville Hospital to help finance the cost of mammograms.

RFD Capt. Randy Seal said in the past, the shirts have raised any where from $1,500 to $3,000 for the hospital.

“We want to help make sure anyone who doesn’t have insurance or might not be able to pay has the chance to go get checked,” Seal said. 

For anyone interested in purchasing this year’s shirt, Seal said he has already made the final order for the month, but extras were ordered. Short-sleeve T-shirts are $15, and long-sleeve shirts are $20. 

There are also extras of last year’s shirt available for sale at a discounted price of $10. For more information on purchasing shirts, contact the Russellville Fire Department.