PORTLAND  — Pink is now the fashion color of choice in fire stations around the city.

Portland’s Fire Department and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 740 unveiled their “Real Firefighters Wear Pink” shirts at a news conference Friday at the Munjoy Hill Fire Station. Several city officials joined in the fashion statement to show support for women battling cancer.

Portland firefighters will be wearing pink shirts, which also are available for purchase, while on duty Oct. 13-16. Fire engines will remain fire-engine red, but will be decorated with pink ribbons throughout the month in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“I am incredibly proud of my fellow firefighters who stepped forward and for some, stepped out of their comfort zone, to wear pink in solidarity with women who are battling cancer,” Local 740 President John Brooks said.

He said the small fundraiser has grown beyond expectations, and the department has ordered more than a thousand shirts.
People interested in purchasing the “Real Firefighters Wear Pink” t-shirts for $10 can order a shirt by e-mail at local740@portlandmaine.gov or by calling 756-8376.

All proceeds will be donated to the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition and the Maine Cancer Coalition.

Other IAFF locals in Maine, including in Lincoln, Bar Harbor, Gardiner, and South Portland, will be wearing pink in support of the campaign, too.


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