The Raleigh Fire Department is making strides to combat the risk of cancer among firefighters, a pervasive hazard tied to the noble profession. According to the City of Raleigh, cancer is a significant cause of death for firefighters throughout the nation. This grim reality hit home for Christy Burgess, whose husband, Nathan, served as a Raleigh firefighter for over two decades before losing his battle with throat cancer in November 2023.