Nonprofit aims to buy cancer-prevention equipment for Queen Creek firefighters

The 100 Club of Arizona is launching the 100 Club Firefighter Cancer Prevention Campaign, a statewide community fundraising effort to help protect firefighters from occupational cancer by raising funds to place a StormStick decontamination system on every firetruck in the state.

The system allows crews to rinse off cancer-causing contaminants immediately after a call, before removing their gear or carrying those contaminants back to the truck or station, according to a press release from the 100 Club of Arizona.

The organization stated that five StormSticks are needed to fully equip the Queen Creek Fire & Medical Department.

Cancer is the leading line-of-duty threat to firefighter health, accounting for 66% of career firefighter line-of-duty deaths from 2002 to 2019, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters.

 In Arizona alone, the 100 Club provided direct support to more than 50 firefighters diagnosed with occupational cancer in 2025. Four Arizona firefighters died of occupational cancers last year, and one firefighter has already died this year.

“Firefighters can do everything right and still face serious health consequences simply because of the job they do,” stated Melissa Kowalski, CEO of the 100 Club of Arizona, in the release. “This campaign is about giving firefighters a practical tool that helps protect them in the moments right after a call, when exposure is highest.”

“Firefighters don’t get to choose what we’re exposed to on a call,” stated Cap. Sasha Weller of the Scottsdale Fire Department, in the release. “Having decontamination systems directly on our engines gives crews a practical step they can take immediately to protect themselves before heading back to the station or onto the next call.”

StormStick systems attach directly to firetrucks and allow firefighters to quickly rinse off dangerous carcinogens immediately after a fire, reducing exposure before turnout gear is removed. The systems are designed to be used on scene, adding a critical layer of prevention in an environment where exposure risks are constant, the release stated. 

To date, 150 StormStick systems have been installed on firetrucks across Arizona. An additional 350 systems are needed to equip every firetruck statewide. The total cost of the effort is $700,000. 

Valley Toyota Dealers kicked off the campaign with a $50,000 donation on Feb. 12, funding 30 StormStick systems for fire departments across Maricopa County. 

“For more than 20 years, Valley Toyota dealers has partnered with organizations working to make the Valley safer and stronger,” stated Kamal Charef, president of the Valley Toyota Dealers Association, in the release. “Supporting firefighter cancer prevention is a meaningful way to invest in the people who serve and protect our community and help safeguard their long-term health.”

The 100 Club of Arizona is calling on businesses and community members statewide to support the campaign and help ensure every Arizona firefighter has access to this prevention tool.

The 501(c)(3) supports more than 50,000 firefighters, public safety officers, first responders and their families throughout the state. Benefits and support are also extended to officers and firefighters who are called to active military duty while still employed by a qualified public safety agency.

In addition to safety equipment, the 100 Club of Arizona provides financial assistance and wellness support to first responders and their families. Since being incorporated in 1968, 100 Club of Arizona states it has distributed more than $27 million to benefit Arizona first responders and their families.