Boston Firefighters Credit Union: Supporting the Health of Those Who Protect and Serve
As the only credit union in Massachusetts exclusively dedicated to first responders and their families, Boston Firefighters Credit Union (BFCU) takes immense pride in our long-standing commitment to the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities.
For several years, BFCU has supported the Boston Fire Department and Boston Police Department in their efforts to detect and mitigate occupational health risks—dangers that are often not covered by traditional health insurance. To date, BFCU has donated nearly half a million dollars toward critical health screenings for firefighters and police officers.
These screenings—cancer detection for firefighters and cardiac assessments for police officers—offer peace of mind to first responders and their families, helping to identify potentially life-threatening conditions early.
Understanding the Health Risks
Firefighters:
Firefighters face a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general population. This elevated risk stems from repeated exposure to carcinogens found in smoke, soot, and hazardous materials encountered during fire response. In fact, cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters.
Learn more about cancer prevention and resources at the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
Police Officers:
Police officers are at a significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies show they are more likely to experience heart attacks at a younger age—averaging 46 years old compared to 65 for the general public. Law enforcement professionals also tend to exhibit some of the highest rates of CVD risk factors of any occupation.
Read more in this article from Mass General Brigham Health Plan.
At BFCU, we’re proud to stand by our first responders—not just in words, but through action. By investing in their health, we’re investing in the strength and safety of our entire community.
