Greenwich FD Jumpstarts its Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

Greenwich firefighters are getting a jumpstart on their fund-raising efforts and Proud to Wear Pink campaign to increase breast cancer awareness.

The popular T-shirts emblazoned with the pink ribbon symbol that's synonymous with breast cancer awareness are being sold by Greenwich Firefighters Local 1042 to raise money for the Greenwich Hospital Breast Center and the Susan G. Komen fund. They're available at the Horseneck Lane station—across from the Boys & Girls Club—and on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the firefighters' booth at the 26th annual Puttin' on the Dog show at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park.

The shirt sale is a lead-up to the firefighters Sept. 28 Breast Cancer Awareness event with Greenwich Hospital that will take place in front of the Greenwich Senior/Arts Center, 299 Greenwich Ave. It will be there that information, brochures and flyers will be distributed and firefighters will collect donations for their 'Fill the Pink Boot' campaign. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"Half of the money we raise stays here in town with Greenwich Hospital," said Firefighter Tom Pitasi, one of Local 1042's Proud to Wear Pink co-chairs. "Some of the money we raised was used to buy wigs for breast cancer patients" undergoing chemotherapy, said Danny Natale, committee co-chair.

The firefighters hope to raise $10,000. There are short-sleeved navy T-shirts for children and adults, and a pink woman's v-necked tee, all selling for $15. Long-sleeved shirts are $20.

In addition to firefighters wearing their signature Proud to Wear Pink shirts, 45 custom, pink helmet shields have been installed on their equipment.

In addition to the Sept. 28 event on Greenwich Avenue, firefighters also will be selling the shirts and conducting child car seat safety checks at the Banksville Fire Department as part of the Annual Banksville Harvestfest at Banksville Community House, according to Natale.

Puttin' on the Dog will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 22.