Prince George's Fire Department Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

It's National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department is doing its part to highlight the risks posed by the deadly disease to both women and men.

For the second year running, members of the department—career, civilian, and volunteer—will have the option to wear pink t-shirts and polos while on duty during October.

The shirts, designed by a member of the PGFD, are meant to be "a symbol of care and compassion for those affected."

"If not you, we all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer," Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor said in a statement. "This is an opportunity for us to show our support, and I know that the men and women of this department will do their part to support this worthy cause."

In 2011, shirt purchases raised about $13,000 to be donated to organizations and agencies conducting breast cancer research. This year's shirts can be purchased from the PGFD's online store.

The department is also planning a "big suprise" of a pink nature to be unveiled during a press event Friday at the District Heights Fire/EMS Station.