Charlotte Firefighter Neil Peterson Wigs Out for Cancer
Published on April 07, 2025
Charlotte Firefighter Neil Peterson, assigned to Engine 11 at Firehouse 4, is swapping his helmet for a bold pink wig this April. As part of the 2025 Wiggin’ Out campaign, he’s raising awareness and funds to support those affected by breast cancer—proving that firefighters don’t just battle flames, they fight for their community too.
When Charlotte Firefighter Neil Peterson suits up for a shift, he’s usually outfitted in turnout gear, helmet, and boots. But this April, he’ll add a bright pink wig to his ensemble—not for fighting fires, but for fighting breast cancer.
“When people see a firefighter in turnout gear, they think bravery, courage, and running toward danger,” Peterson said. “This pink wig? It’s a different kind of bravery—it’s about standing with people who are fighting for their lives.”
Peterson flashes a smile while donning his pink wig, bringing attention to breast cancer awareness and the support services offered by The Pink House.
Peterson is among the dedicated individuals participating in the 2025 Wiggin' Out campaign, the signature fundraising event for Carolina Breast Friends. The campaign, a vibrant celebration of Survivors and Thrivers, brings the community together as participants—affectionately known as "Big Wigs"—wear eye-catching pink wigs to raise awareness and funds for The Pink House, a sanctuary for those navigating breast cancer.
For Peterson, the cause is deeply personal. His connection to the fight against breast cancer stems from a friendship he built long before his days with Charlotte Fire, dating back to his time as a firefighter in Asheville. His former captain, Hayne, and Hayne’s wife, Erica Griffin, became like family to him. That bond only deepened when Erica was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2021.
Erica Griffin, a stage four breast cancer survivor and inspiration for Peterson’s fundraising efforts, continues to encourage others to seek early detection and support.
“Erica is one of the strongest people I’ve ever met,” Peterson said. “Even when she was going through chemo, she was still trying to take care of everybody else. She was that kind of person. It was heartbreaking to watch her go through it, but at the same time, inspiring.”
Her diagnosis was a gut punch to those who knew her, Peterson included. Over the years, he witnessed her resilience firsthand—enduring chemotherapy treatments so intense they were called the "Red Devil," undergoing a double mastectomy, and making drastic life adjustments to battle the disease. Despite the odds, she remained a source of light and encouragement.
Firefighter Neil Peterson and Erica Griffin share a moment of friendship and resilience—her battle with breast cancer is the driving force behind his Wiggin’ Out campaign.
“She never let cancer define her,” he said. “Even on the hardest days, she was more worried about how everybody else was doing. I learned a lot from her about what it means to be strong.”
Peterson has spent nearly a decade in the fire service, first with Asheville Fire before joining Charlotte Fire in 2023. He is currently assigned to Engine 11 at Firehouse 4. Drawn to the job by a love for teamwork and a calling to help others, he quickly learned that firefighting is about much more than battling flames—it’s about being a steady presence in times of crisis.
Peterson stands beside a Charlotte Fire apparatus at Firehouse 4, demonstrating his dedication to both firefighting and raising awareness for breast cancer support.
“When we show up, we’re there to make things better or, at the very least, keep them from getting worse,” Peterson said. “Whether it’s a fire, a medical call, or just offering comfort to someone in distress, we have the chance to make a difference. And it’s the same with Wiggin’ Out—we’re stepping in to help, to bring awareness, to support those who need it.”
That same mentality is what fuels his passion for the Wiggin’ Out campaign. Peterson first connected with Carolina Breast Friends in 2021, searching for a way to honor Erica’s fight. A simple online search led him to the organization, and he was immediately drawn to their mission of providing free programs, support groups, and resources for individuals battling breast cancer.
“I loved that it was local,” he said. “I made a donation in Erica’s name, and then I started looking into how I could get more involved.”
With the iconic Charlotte Fire engine behind him, Peterson embraces his role as a “Big Wig” for the 2025 Wiggin’ Out campaign, using his platform to spread awareness.
His first volunteer task? Assembling a cabinet at The Pink House. Soon after, he helped with events, assisted with setup and cleanup, and became a familiar face to the organization’s leaders. This year, when nominations opened for the 2025 Wiggin' Out campaign, Peterson’s name surfaced—and he eagerly accepted the challenge.
For the entire month of April, Peterson will proudly don a bold pink wig everywhere he goes—at the firehouse, the grocery store, the gym, and beyond. While he’ll avoid wearing it during emergency calls out of respect for the gear and sensitivity of certain situations, his goal remains the same: to spark conversations and raise awareness about breast cancer’s impact while fundraising for Carolina Breast Friends.
Even so, he’s fully committed to the mission—and hopes the pink wig helps bring attention to a cause that’s deeply personal.
“When people see a woman in a pink wig, they might not think twice. But a 6’1” firefighter rocking one? That’s going to turn some heads,” Peterson said with a grin. “And that’s the whole point—it’s a conversation starter.”
Uptown Charlotte serves as the backdrop for Peterson’s mission—raising funds for The Pink House while representing the camaraderie and support of the fire service.
Every Big Wig carries a badge with a QR code linking to their personal fundraising page, making it easy for those curious about the campaign to learn more and contribute. But Peterson’s approach isn’t just about raising money—it’s about making meaningful connections.
“I was told by a past Big Wig that people will come up to me and say, ‘Thank you for doing this—my mom had breast cancer,’ or ‘I lost my sister to it.’ It’s about awareness and community, just as much as fundraising,” Peterson said. “Those moments make it all worth it.”
The funds raised through Wiggin’ Out directly support the services offered at The Pink House, including mentorship programs, wellness workshops, therapy sessions, and resources like wigs and mastectomy bras for those undergoing treatment. These services ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone.
In a striking black-and-white image, Peterson’s pink wig stands out as a bold symbol of his commitment to the cause, pictured in front of Engine 11 at Firehouse 4.
“I’ve met some of the women who’ve been helped by The Pink House, and they’re incredible,” Peterson said. “This place is a lifeline for them. It’s more than just resources—it’s a community, a family. And that’s why I’m all in.”
At 30 years old, Peterson has a full life ahead of him. He’s young, athletic, and driven, with a promising career in the fire service. But when asked why he dedicates so much time to this cause, his answer is simple.
“This is bigger than me,” he said. “I’ve lost family members to cancer, I’ve seen friends fight it, and I know how important support systems are. If wearing a pink wig for a month helps bring people together, raises money, and gets more women the help they need, then I’m all in.”
The campaign officially kicks off in April, and Peterson is ready for the stares, the questions, and the inevitable double-takes.
Standing in front of Engine 11, Peterson continues to challenge perceptions and spark conversations, proving that strength comes in many forms—including a pink wig.
“If a pink wig is what it takes to make a difference, then I’ll wear it with pride,” he said. “It’s about honoring the people who fight this battle every day.”
To support Neil Peterson’s Wiggin’ Out campaign and learn more about Carolina Breast Friends, click on the the link.
WIGGIN OUT DONATION PAGE