David Perez, an engineer paramedic with North Collier Fire, faces his fears, running into burning buildings and scaling tall ladders into billowing, black smoke.
Now, for about four years, he’s met his most fearsome foe: cancer. Thankfully, he’s not alone.
His coworkers at the North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District show support by walking, running and cycling several consecutive years in the Dolphins Challenge Cancer and symposium in Miami. This year, Perez, along with other firefighters, raised more than $2,000, according to the University of Miami, where Perez has been a patient for more than four years.
In February, the fire district recruited a team of 15 to advocate for Perez and the cause. Through the event, teams raise funds for cancer research.
According to the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, North Collier Fire has more than 200 personnel.
Perez has been a firefighter for 17 years and is one of at least four North Collier Fire District employees who’ve recently beat cancer or are still in the heat of the battle, said Heather Mazurkiewicz, spokesperson for the fire district.