Bartlett firefighters raise money for women with cancer

Pink firetrucks made their way to Bartlett Wednesday as firefighters hosted a Pink Heals event to raise money for local women and families affected by cancer.

Pink Heals is a national tour driven by firefighters who volunteer their time to drive the pink firetrucks across the country. Firefighters, who also dress in pink gear, volunteer up to 21 days to help raise awareness for women with cancer.

The Bartlett Fire Protection District has raised more than $22,000 for local women in the past five years. All of the money generated by merchandise sales, donations from local businesses and a golf outing go directly to Bartlett residents affected by cancer.

"We don't believe in raising money for a cause. We give money directly to women and families affected by cancer," Bartlett firefighter Steve Brandt said.

This year marks Brandt's fifth year organizing Bartlett's Pink Heals event. He says after starting with the Bartlett Fire Department, he fell in love with the community and sees Pink Heals as a way to help the community.

"What better way to protect our community then protecting and giving back to our women," Brandt said.

This year's Pink Heals fundraiser included family activities, a bags tournament and the Pink Heals fire trucks. Each fire truck is signed by nearly 10,000 people who have been affected by cancer.

Recipients of this year's fundraiser have not been chosen yet, Brandt says. But he is hoping the Pink Heals event will generate enough money to help several local women and families affected by cancer.