GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — They run into danger for others, yet many firefighters are quietly facing a danger that is less imminent, but just as deadly.
According to the American Cancer Society, firefighters are at an increased risk for cancer.
“It’s the best job that I could ever ask… despite the cancer,” said Matt Hutter, a Grand Rapids firefighter.
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He is among a group of five current or former Grand Rapids firefighters, all of whom have been diagnosed with cancer, who recently spoke to News 8. With a combined 130 years of service, their experiences span decades, but their diagnoses vary.
Hutter had testicular cancer. Edward DeMaagd, a retired firefighter, has a rare form of pancreatic cancer. Kathleen Thompson, a current GRPD battalion chief, had thyroid cancer. David Marchinda, a current captain, has prostate cancer. Don Quick, a retired captain, had bladder cancer. Though each journey is different, they all point back to the same starting place: the job…