Cancer Awareness, Research, Education & Support

MES C.A.R.E.S.

Municipal Emergency Services, Inc., Americas largest provider of firefighting equipment is acutely aware of the cancer risks firefighters face in their everyday work environment. The data from many studies show an undeniable link between firefighting and the increased risk of many forms of cancer. MES employees and our suppliers are working closely to bring technology, best practices, and education to the fire service around the growing cancer threat.

Many worthy organizations leading the fight against firefighter cancer need additional funding. We are pleased to announce the formation of a non-profit fund raising organization called MES C.A.R.E.S., to raise money for Cancer Awareness, Research, Education/Training and Support (C.A.R.E.S.). Led by our employees, and with the support of our supplier partners, we will raise funds through direct donations, fundraising events, and corporate contributions.

One hundred percent of funds raised will be donated to reputable groups and organizations involved in firefighter cancer research, prevention, and education or organizations supporting first responders and their families who have been impacted by cancer. The MES C.A.R.E.S. Board of Directors led by will manage the selection of worthy organizations dedicated to addressing the many challenges and needs of the fight against firefighter cancer. Information on MES C.A.R.E.S. upcoming activities, events and information about our donations can be found here.

OUR FOCUS

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Cancer Awareness

One of MES C.A.R.E.S. key objectives is to promote the continued awareness of the cancer threat faced by firefighters past, present and in the future.

Research

A key goal of MES C.A.R.E.S. is to make funds available to organizations conducting cancer research specifically targeting the U.S. Fire Service.

Education & Training

We want to further education and training to firefighters and fire departments to help them respond to the ongoing cancer threat.

Support

MES C.A.R.E.S. will help fund organizations that are dedicated to supporting firefighters and their families that have been impacted by cancer.

MES C.A.R.E.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chief Don Lombardi

West Metro Fire District, CO

Fire Chief Don Lombardi has been with the district since 1991. He is responsible for all facets of life safety, suppression, and emergency medical response activities of the district.

He has a Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University, a Bachelor’s from the University of Colorado.

He co-authored the Colorado Firefighters Heart and Cancer Benefit legislation and is chairman of the Colorado Firefighters Heart and Cancer Benefit Trust.

Chief Richie Bowers

Ocean City, MD

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Management and a Master’s Degree Certificate in Human Resources from the University of Maryland.

Richie Bowers is the Fire Chief for Ocean City, MD. He is a Ret. Fire Chief of Fairfax County Virginia Fire and Montgomery County, MD. Over his 36 years in Montgomery County Fire and Rescue he served in every rank in the including being appointed as the Fire Chief for his last five years there.

Ret. Chief Dave Downey

Miami-Dade Co, FL

Ret. Chief Dave Downey is a 37-year veteran of the fire service. Chief Downey retired as the Fire Chief of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in 2019.

Chief Downey has an Associate’s degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration

Chief Downey serves as a member on NFPA 3000 Standard for Active Shooter/Hostile Events Response (ASHER) Program Committee and NFPA 1710 Committee. Chief Downey was recently appointed as the Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ US&R Committee.

Ward Petrie

MES Inc. - V.P. of Finance

Ward is MES Inc’s Vice President of Finance, he joined the company in 2008. Previously, Ward held the role of Controller for United Healthcare NE Region. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Western Connecticut University and an MBA in Finance from Fairfield University.