LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2026) – Longboat Key Fire Rescue is helping lead a regional effort to protect the health and well-being of firefighters through an innovative partnership with Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute.
The comprehensive wellness initiative goes beyond traditional annual physicals, combining preventive screenings, cancer risk education, early detection, coordinated medical follow-up, physical fitness and mental health support to help firefighters stay healthy throughout their careers.
“Firefighters spend their careers protecting others, but we need to be just as proactive about protecting their health,” said Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi. “With help from Sarasota Memorial and other collaborative partnerships, we were able to create a program that identifies health risks early, connects firefighters with the care they need and gives them the tools and support to stay healthy throughout their careers.”
The regional initiative grew out of discussions among fire chiefs, firefighters, union leaders and healthcare professionals across Sarasota and Manatee counties about occupational health risks and gaps in traditional health screenings and follow-up care.
Addressing Firefighters' Cancer Risks
Cancer prevention and early detection are key priorities. Firefighters face repeated exposure to carcinogens and other hazardous substances through smoke, contaminated equipment and chemicals.
To address these risks, Sarasota Memorial's Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute assembled a team of specialists to work with Longboat Key Fire Rescue and other area departments. The effort helped establish the Firefighters Cancer Collaborative, which provides education about occupational cancer risks, exposure reduction, appropriate screenings and access to specialized cancer care.
"Firefighters face unique occupational exposures that increase their risk of developing and dying from certain cancers," said Richard Brown, MD, a board-certified medical oncologist and senior advisor who helped lead the Jellison Cancer Institute team and partnership with Longboat Key Fire Rescue. "A comprehensive approach must also consider each firefighter's personal and family history and genetic predisposition to cancer. Understanding those risks helps us identify concerns earlier and connect firefighters with appropriate care."
The program also includes annual medical evaluations, laboratory testing, cardiovascular and fitness assessments, and coordinated follow-up when potential health concerns are identified.
Supporting the Whole Firefighter
Recognizing that wellness extends beyond physical health, Longboat Key Fire Rescue provides chaplain services, mental health education and round-the-clock access to a volunteer licensed social worker. Sarasota Memorial also developed the SMHero protocol, a confidential pathway for first responders who are medically stable to bypass the emergency room and access mental health services through SMH’s Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion.
The fire department also provides a wellness incentive program that allows firefighters to earn up to 48 hours of additional time off annually by meeting physical readiness, health improvement and wellness participation requirements.
"Our hope is that other departments can learn from our experience and develop programs that meet their own needs," Chief Dezzi said. "When we invest in firefighters' health and well-being, we're investing in their ability to continue protecting our communities."
Learn More: For more information about the program’s development, partnerships and lessons for other fire departments, you can download Longboat Key Fire Rescue’s detailed report, Protecting Those Who Protect Our Community, by clicking here.
Watch our SMH Healthcast Podcast featuring Richard Brown, MD, a board-certified medical oncologist and Town of Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul Dezzi explain the collaborative's mission.