Firefighter Cancer Prevention: Chief J.T. Wallace on Changing Department Culture

<p>What happens when losing a parent to occupational cancer changes the way you lead a fire department?</p><p>In Episode 67 of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka sits down with Chief J.T. Wallace of Benton (LA) Fire District No. 4. After following his father into the fire service, Wallace eventually became chief. His father's death from occupational cancer, and the experience of walking just two feet behind his casket, changed the way he thought about protecting the firefighters he leads.</p><p>Today, Wallace makes firefighter health, cancer prevention, fitness, and behavioral health central to his department's culture. Benton Fire District No. 4 offers fitness incentives, annual physicals for active and retired members, cancer prevention initiatives, and behavioral health support that includes a clinician, chaplain, and peer support.</p><p>Wallace also discusses the department's continued growth, plans for expansion, firefighter compensation, and the move toward a 24/72 schedule.</p><p>This is a conversation about what happens when firefighter health and wellness become part of the job, not an afterthought.</p><p>In this episode:<br />• Chief J.T. Wallace's path into the fire service<br />• Losing his father to occupational cancer<br />• Building a stronger culture around cancer prevention<br />• Fitness incentives for firefighters<br />• Annual physicals for active and retired members<br />• Behavioral health and peer support<br />• Leadership lessons from personal loss<br />• Growing and changing a fire department<br />• The future of Benton Fire District No. 4</p>