Charlotte Firefighter Brings His Fighting Spirit to the Cancer Battle

By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire 

Charlotte Firefighter William Holland never set out to become a firefighter. In fact, his career path nearly led him in the opposite direction. 

“I was trying to go the police route,” Holland said with a laugh. “That fell through, and a friend of mine who was a firefighter invited me to do a ride-along. After that first call, I was hooked.” 

That call was a relatively minor incident—a fire alarm triggered by dust from sandblasting. But the experience left a lasting impression on him. Although he wasn’t even on the payroll yet, Holland stepped in to translate Spanish for two women inside the home. 

“The amount of gratitude they showed me,” he said, “I’ve never felt that before. I needed that. It changed everything for me.”

At the firehouse, Holland carries the same strength and readiness that define his approach to every challenge — whether it’s on a fire scene or a tournament mat. 

That moment launched what would become a 17-year career with Charlotte Fire. Holland now serves on Engine 16, A-shift, based in SouthPark. But his commitment to serving others doesn’t end when the sirens stop. 

This spring, Holland is stepping onto a different kind of mat—not at a fire scene, but at the Tap Cancer Out Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Open. The international nonprofit tournament raises money to fight cancer, and for Holland, it’s a cause that strikes close to home. 

“Cancer is one of the biggest threats facing firefighters,” he said. “Even with all our gear, we’re exposed to hazards most people don’t even think about. It’s a risk that comes with the job, and it’s one more reason to take action now.” 

According to national research, firefighters are at significantly higher risk for several types of cancer compared to the general population. Studies from the International Association of Fire Fighters and the CDC show that firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from it. It's a reality that makes prevention, research, and support efforts critical across the fire service.

William Holland stands inside the training gym, reflecting on the journey that brought him from military service to firefighting — and now, to fighting cancer through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

Holland’s road to martial arts started far from home—during a military deployment in Iraq with the U.S. Army’s 424th Quartermaster Company. While overseas, he joined a Shotokan karate class led by a colonel, simply because he was curious. 

“I was always a fan of Bruce Lee,” Holland said. “So when I saw the class, I figured, why not?” 

When he returned home in 2005, he couldn’t find a Shotokan dojo nearby. But he did find something else: the fast-growing world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. By 2011, he was training regularly and eventually joined 4M Fitness in Charlotte, where he still rolls with teammates—many of whom are decades younger. 

“They’ll say, ‘Man, you need to roll with Will,’” he said, grinning. “Then they find out I’m 46. I don’t act my age in the dojo, but when I get home—let’s just say there’s a lot of Icy Hot involved.”

During training at 4M Fitness, Holland (right) works through techniques with a teammate, sharpening the skills he'll bring to the Tap Cancer Out tournament. 

Though his body reminds him that he's no longer in his twenties, Holland isn’t letting that slow him down. Competing in Tap Cancer Out is his way of showing that age and service are not limitations—they’re motivations. 

“I want to be the guy someone sees and says, ‘If he’s doing it, maybe I can too,’” Holland said. “There’s a man here who just started training at 64. That’s incredible. I want to go until the wheels fall off—and they’re wobbling now—but I’ll keep going as long as I can.” 

For Holland, Tap Cancer Out isn’t just about martial arts. It’s a rallying cry for firefighters, survivors, and anyone who has watched cancer touch a life.

With quiet determination, Holland prepares for another round of training, carrying the same sense of purpose he brings to every call as a Charlotte firefighter. 

“We go into fires surrounded by toxic gases and burning synthetics,” he said. “Our gear protects us, but it’s not a force field. The risk is real, but so is the opportunity to fight back.” 

Holland knows the impact cancer can have, both on the fireground and at home. Several of his aunts and uncles faced cancer diagnoses, and some lost their battles. It's a reality that drives him to act. 

He also knows how invisible the fight can be. “You can be side-by-side with someone every shift and not even know they’re fighting cancer,” he said. “That happened to me with Captain Walker. Same station, different shift. I had no idea—until I read the story about him.” 

Holland’s participation in Tap Cancer Out is a way to bring awareness to those hidden battles. He sees his efforts not as a burden, but as a contribution to something bigger.

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, control and resilience are key — lessons Holland lives by both on the mat and in the fire service. 

“Time is finite,” he said. “If I can do something with mine that helps someone else, then I should. It's not about waiting for the perfect time. It’s about doing the most with what you have, now.” 

Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson praised Holland’s dedication both on and off duty. 

“Firefighter Holland represents the best of Charlotte Fire,” said Chief Johnson. “He brings courage and compassion to every aspect of his life, and we are proud to support him as he raises awareness and funds to help fight cancer.” 

Between shifts, training, and family life, Holland’s days are full. But he doesn’t see Tap Cancer Out as one more thing on his to-do list. He sees it as part of the same mission that brought him into the fire service nearly two decades ago: to show up, to help, and to give people hope. 

“We’re not always the ones who fix the whole problem,” Holland said. “But if we can make it a little better—even just a degree or two—that matters.”

A quiet moment of focus. For Holland, martial arts training is about more than competition — it's about discipline, community, and the will to keep fighting. 

Because in every match fought, every dollar raised, and every life touched, fighters like Will Holland remind us: the fight against cancer is personal, the cause is powerful—and every effort is worth it. 

For Holland, service doesn’t end when the fire is out or the bell stops ringing. It’s a way of life—whether he’s answering the call at the firehouse, lifting up a teammate on the mat, or standing shoulder to shoulder with those battling cancer. 

In every arena, the goal is the same: to leave the world just a little better than you found it. 

The Tap Cancer Out tournament will be held on May 17 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Donations raised by competitors go directly to cancer-fighting organizations supported by the nonprofit. Holland’s fundraising page is open to anyone who wants to contribute: 

DONATE HERE

William Holland’s journey from firefighter to cancer-fighting competitor is driven by a deep commitment to service — both inside and outside the firehouse.