Join us for the Inaugural Health & Wellness Symposium hosted by the Firefighter Cancer Support Network
Saturday, September 27th thru Monday, September 29th San Bernardino, California
This impactful 2½-day symposium will focus on cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection for firefighters. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in free cancer screenings on Saturday, September 27, including:
$175
per person
Location:
DoubleTree - 285 E Hospitality Ln, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Symposium discounted rates are:
$139++ Single King Room
$149++ Double Queen Room
EARLY BIRD PRICING!
This Symposium is open to everyone.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
Skin Cancer Screening
Lucid Eso Guard Esophageal Cancer Screening
United Diagnostic Services
Includes:
Saturday: Lunch, afternoon break, & social hour
Sunday: Breakfast, lunch, breaks, & social hour
Monday: Breakfast, morning break, & lunch
Train-the-Trainer Opportunity (limited to the first 50 registrations)
Sat, Sep 27, 2025 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
FCSN is offering an 8-hour Train-the-Trainer program to empower your organization to deliver this vital training.
We hope you will join us for this important event, sharing valuable tools to protect and support our firefighting community.
Thank you to our Platinum and Gold Sponsors!
AGENDA:
Registration 7:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Exhibitor Set up 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Special Guest:
Adam Ferrara Actor/Comedian/Host
Survivorship & Survivor Panel - William Baker, Scott Jennie, Kyle O’Neill, Debbie Pike, Steve Shapiro, & Travis Young
8:00 – 9:15 a.m.
This interactive panel features firefighters and experts sharing real-life experiences of dealing with cancer diagnoses and FCSN Survivorship. Attendees will have opportunities to ask questions about diagnosis, treatment, return-to-work processes, legal considerations, and survivorship strategies, gaining practical insights from those who have navigated similar challenges.
Beyond the Flames: Proactive Strategies to Combat Cancer in Firefighters - Dr. Jeff Burgess & John Gulotta
12:15 - 1:15 p.m.
Cancer in the fire service isn’t just a statistic - it’s a reality we all face. We’ve all sat at a station kitchen table with a co-worker who has battled it, and it’s becoming a common conversation in firehouses. The truth is, cancer risk starts with toxicant exposure. As firefighters, we understand the risks, but we need to reduce those so we can become proactive instead of reactive to cancer. Current research provides life-saving education, yet it’s easy to feel skeptical or overwhelmed.
The Importance of a Health & Safety Officer in Your Agency - David Hunt & Kyle O’Neill
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
This session guides fire departments in establishing a dedicated Cancer and Health Coordinator role within their Health and Safety programs. Attendees will learn how to develop, implement, and sustain effective initiatives focused on cancer prevention, early detection, and overall health promotion, emphasizing the importance of leadership in addressing the occupational health crisis.
Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
What Should Be On Your Radar - Kepra Jack
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
This interactive discussion focuses on key health risks facing firefighters and how to implement behavioral and operational changes to mitigate injuries and long-term health issues. Attendees will explore current risk factors and develop strategies to foster a culture of safety and wellness that supports firefighters’ health into retirement.
Break 2:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Closing Ceremony
4:00 - 4:30 p.m.
A ceremonial conclusion to celebrate the commitment to firefighter health and safety, acknowledge participants’ engagement, and reinforce the importance of ongoing efforts to reduce cancer and other health risks in the fire service.
Firefighter Cancer Support Network’s Train-the-Trainer Session
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Lunch 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cancer Screenings (Dermatology, UDS, LUCID) 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Opening Statement 12:15 - 12:30 p.m.
Doing It Right: Taking Action to Reduce Cancer in the Fire Service - Scott Jennie & Russell Osgood
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
This comprehensive training session empowers firefighters and fire service professionals with the essential knowledge, strategies, and habits to reduce their risk of occupational cancer. Participants will explore current research, understand occupational exposures, and learn scientifically supported prevention and early detection methods. Emphasizing a holistic approach—including lifestyle modifications, awareness, and accountability—this class aims to foster proactive behaviors that safeguard firefighters’ long-term health and survivorship.
Break 2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Leadership Guide to Supporting Firefighters with Cancer - Joe Schumacher Steve Weissman
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
This course prepares fire service leaders and supervisors to respond effectively and compassionately when a team member is diagnosed with cancer. It covers communication strategies, organizational support, and navigating emotional, legal, and financial considerations. The goal is to equip leaders with the tools to foster a supportive environment that promotes recovery, well-being, and dignity for affected personnel.
PTSD - Methods for Prevention and Healing - Dr. Zara Ashikyan
2:45 - 3:45 p.m. p.m.
This session introduces the fundamentals of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including symptom recognition, prevention strategies, and healing methods. Special focus is placed on understanding how untreated PTSD can compromise immune function and influence the development and treatment of other diseases such as cancer. Attendees will learn practical approaches to prevent PTSD and support recovery.
MnFIRE: Creating and Scaling a Firefighter Health and Wellness Initiative
3:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
This session will explore the strategies implemented in building the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE), a state-funded organization seeing measurable results. MnFIRE’s comprehensive firefighter well-bring program includes resources such as a critical illness program and health and wellness training - available to all Minnesota firefighters at no cost to them or their department. Attendees will leave with a framework for building a similar program in their state.
How to Navigate Workers' Compensation and Disability Retirement with a Cancer Diagnosis - Ben Helquist
4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
This presentation offers guidance on navigating legal and administrative processes related to workers’ compensation and disability retirement for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. While emphasizing California law, it also provides comparisons with other jurisdictions and discusses cancer presumptive legislation nationwide, helping attendees understand benefits, rights, and procedural steps.
Hot off the Presses: Updates on Firefighter Health Research - Dr. Sara Jahnke
9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
This dynamic session delivers the latest findings in firefighter health research, emphasizing cancer risk, prevention strategies, and emerging exposure data. Attendees will gain insights into current best practices, screening advancements, and other critical health concerns such as cardiovascular health and reproductive wellness, providing a comprehensive overview of firefighter health challenges.
Break 10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Evening Social
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Join us during the evening social for networking, catching up with peers, and a special comedy show with Adam Ferrara.
Adam Ferrara, Actor/Comedian/Host, who Entertainment Weekly dubbed “Hilarious.” For six seasons, Adam co-hosted the critically acclaimed BBC sensation, Top Gear US. He proudly played Chief Needles Nelson on the Emmy-nominated FX drama Rescue Me. Adam co-starred with Emmy Award winner Edie Falco on Showtime’s hit series Nurse Jackie. He has also co-starred alongside Kevin James in the hit movie Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Definitely Maybe with Ryan Reynolds.
Adam also starred in the CBS show Why Women Kill with Ginnifer Goodwin, Lucy Liu, and an all-star cast. Also in the Indie movie Little Italy, currently streaming on Amazon, alongside Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen. His podcast, The Adam Ferrara Podcast, is a breakout hit, considered a “must listen” by Hidden Remote.
Some of Ferrara’s other TV credits include CBS’s The Good Fight, Criminal Minds, Kevin Can Wait, The King of Queens, NBC’s Law & Order, along with countless late night show appearances. Adam is also one of the top touring comedians in country. Over the years, he has released 5 specials and 6 albums. His new comedy album, It’s Scary in Here, debutedat number one on iTunes, while his album Unconditional, was Interrobang’s People’s Choice of Album of the Year.
Breakfast 7:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Exhibitors 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
National Firefighter Registry for Cancer: Every Firefighter Matters - Dr. Kenny Fent
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Join us for an overview of the NIOSH National Firefighter Registry for Cancer (NFR) and why the NFR is so crucial to improving our collective understanding of firefighters' risk of cancer and occupational factors associated with that risk. Dr. Fent will provide an update on the NFR progress. The presenter will further highlight how the NFR's success depends on participation from firefighters across the country - regardless of whether they have cancer or not. Every firefighter has a unique background and exposure profile, and so, every firefighter is encouraged to join this critical nationwide program.