Today, we had the privilege of honoring Bob Stacey, a retired Fire Captain from the Vista Fire Department and a proud member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 4107.
Bob dedicated over 30 years of service to protecting our communities, and his bravery extended far beyond fighting fires—he is also a cancer survivor who has been cancer-free for over five years.
As we celebrate Bob’s journey, we also recognize February as National Cancer Prevention Month, a time to remind ourselves and our loved ones about the importance of early detection and prevention. Firefighters, like Bob, face an increased risk of developing cancer due to exposure to hazardous toxins in the line of duty. Studies have shown that cancer is now one of the leading causes of death among firefighters, making awareness, education, and advocacy more critical than ever.
Bob’s story is a testament to the importance of routine health screenings. After celebrating his 56th birthday, he underwent his annual physical exam, including blood work. That simple test led to a recommendation to see a urologist. One week later, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. But just as he faced challenges throughout his career in the fire service, Bob confronted this battle head-on. He underwent 28 radiation treatments and persevered with unwavering strength. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate Bob as a cancer survivor!
Walking for Awareness
Bob’s dedication to spreading awareness didn’t stop after his recovery. Just last month, in honor of Firefighter Awareness Month, he and his friend, Bob Nunez, took on an incredible challenge: walking 15 miles from Lake San Marcos through Carlsbad to Encinitas. The journey took six hours, and Bob carried a sign on his back—making sure his message about firefighter cancer awareness was seen by everyone along the way.
Giving Back Through Advocacy
Bob now volunteers with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, a nonprofit organization that has been providing support and one-on-one mentoring to cancer-stricken firefighters, EMTs, and their families since 2005. His mission is to ensure no firefighter faces cancer alone and to encourage early detection, routine health checkups, and ongoing education.
Today, as we honor Bob’s resilience, we are reminded that prevention and awareness save lives. His story serves as an inspiration to all of us—to prioritize our health, to advocate for our heroes, and to support those fighting their battles with cancer.
Thank you, Bob, for your service, bravery, and advocacy.