In 2004, I founded and launched the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation (FFCF): the non-profit organization to offer a voice and champion for resources and worker compensation benefits to fire service members diagnosed with occupational cancer and related diseases.
With family care as part of the mission, the team of non-paid advocates also supported family members diagnosed with cancer.
The lack of scientific evidence to support the connection between products of firefighting exposures and occupational diseases of the fire service quickly became apparent.
As laboratory and field research capabilities evolved, so did the need to reduce exposures of workplace toxins and the transportation and exposure of those to responder homes and families.
In order to create and drive healthy change and awareness of cancer in the fire service, technology and workplace practices needed improvement.
The role of the FFCF has transitioned to become a proactive clearinghouse for research, scientific study, product and process evaluation and validation of product efficacy and marketing.
In 2025, the FFCF celebrates 20 years of non-profit service to First Responders in the United States and globally.
Project work has been selected based upon priority of need to include the following categories: Occupational disease database tracking and data mining, cancer cohort and focus group establishment, and new and existing technology assessment for validation, verification and implementation in the fire service.
Consulting continues for cancer prevention and health and wellness training through virtual reality platforms (VR, AR, XR).
U.S. national partnerships (such as N.C.cState, IFSI, NFPA, CDC and others) move forward with funded chemical fire exposure research (smoke / particulate matter mapping), testing for healthy fire extinguishing products, and best practices development for fire investigators and inspectors.
An expert advisory panel will address the application of new and existing science to the challenges of acquiring and maintaining healthy sleep practices, nutrition, exercise (impacts of occupational disease), behavioral health, early disease detection, and deficiencies in state presumptive legislative coverage.
The FFCF is proud to announce the promotion of Webster Marshall to the role of organization President (July 2025).
Web has served the organization in a variety of roles and currently hails as the Director of Research and Technology Development.
His keen sense of innovation, entrepreneurship, and science acumen are just a few of his diverse skills that enhance his cross-sectional representation work within the U.S. fire service.
I will continue to support the organization’s mission as it grows.
The FFCF New Year aims to integrate technology to enhance the fire service.
The health and survival of First Responders demands industry focus and funding to improve the longevity and functionality of the workforce that we honorably represent.
Cindy Ell is a retired firefighter/Critical Care Paramedic originally from Anne Arundel County MD, with a background in emergency communications, critical care, labor advocacy, and private investigations.
After a cancer cluster occurred among the firefighters she served with in Maryland, Cindy began researching and tracking firefighter cancer in 1990.
As a result of her findings, The Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation was launched in 2004.
The 2025 Influencers Special Edition of Fire and Safety Journal Americas is a collection of some of the most influential voices across the fire and safety industry.
Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, challenges, and forward-looking insights shaping the global fire and safety sector.
