Pink fire truck raises breast cancer awareness

Red is the traditional color for fire trucks, but a pink version is in demand in support of breast cancer victims, survivors and their families.

The "Guardians of the Ribbon," a group of firefighters on a mission to raise awareness of the issue, will stop Thursday in Vernon Hills as part of an East-to-West Coast national tour covering about three dozen communities.

Glendale, Az., firefighter Dave Graybill's crew and their pink fire truck - and the 10-foot stainless steel ribbon towed on a trailer - will be parked from noon to 4 p.m. in the Sears lot at Westfield Hawthorn mall at routes 21 and 60. The public is invited and cancer survivors are encouraged to sign the truck.

Vernon Hills made it on the list after Chief Jeff Steingart and Deputy Chief Kris Kazian met Graybill at a fire rescue conference in Denver last August.

"He was wearing pink turnout gear and a pink helmet," Kazian said. "It kind of stood out."

Graybill was looking to fill an opening in Illinois on his way to Peoria, and the arrangements fell into place. The Holiday Inn Express will provide lodging, and On the Border will feed the travelers.

Literature regarding breast cancer will be available and a fire helmet painted pink will be raffled.

The truck also is scheduled to appear in the Vernon Hills High School homecoming parade, and local firefighters will wear pink T-shirts in support.

"We thought it would be a great opportunity for our people to honor and support breast cancer survivors," Kazian said. "It's not a fundraising campaign as much as raising awareness."

The two-month "Cares Enough to Wear Pink Campaign" began Aug. 24. Participants include firefighters, police officers and community leaders.

On the Web site pinkribbontour.com, Graybill explains it is in the firefighters' nature to fight for those who have lost the ability to fight for themselves.