Charlotte Fire’s Push to Beat Cancer
Published on September 03, 2025
Four Charlotte Firefighters—Mark Meylor, Russ Harwell, Brian Rodman, and Scott Walker—each of whom has faced prostate cancer, share their personal journeys to raise awareness and encourage early detection.
Charlotte firefighters know the dangers of smoke and flame. But today, one of their most serious threats is not fire, it is cancer.
“Cancer remains the leading cause of firefighter line-of-duty deaths,” said Health and Safety Division Chief Jason Perdue. “We cannot accept that as inevitable. Early detection, cleaner operations, and steady education are making a real difference.”
A line of Charlotte Firefighters works in unison against a wall of fire. The battle against cancer is just as relentless as the fight against flames.
From 2002 to 2019, cancer accounted for about two-thirds of career firefighter deaths nationwide. Research shows firefighters face higher risks of both diagnosis and mortality than the general population. Among men, prostate cancer stands out as the leading incident cancer, and firefighters are diagnosed at significantly higher rates.
Charlotte Fire has made those statistics personal by using annual NFPA 1582 physicals, increased PSA testing, and prevention protocols to catch disease earlier and limit exposures. “Our physicals cover more screenings than most people ever receive,” Perdue said. “Finding it early matters.”
Prevention in practice
Charlotte Fire makes cancer prevention part of daily culture. Crews decontaminate on scene, bag and clean gear at Logistics, and rotate between two full sets of turnout gear. Annual inspections, particulate hoods, and extended air use during overhaul are now standard expectations. Rehab 01 and new fitness, nutrition, and sleep initiatives reinforce overall wellness.
Charlotte Firefighters work in smoke-filled conditions at a large incident, illustrating the exposure risks linked to occupational cancer.
The department formalizes its commitment every January during Cancer Awareness Month. “Cancer continues to be the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service, and all too frequently strikes our members in retirement,” Perdue said.
Each year’s bulletin highlights weekly themes. Week One covers presumptive laws and occupational cancer coverage. Week Two turns to reproductive cancers. Week Three focuses on behavioral health for firefighters who have been diagnosed. Week Four closes with survivorship, personal responsibility, and cultural change.
“These conversations are not easy,” Perdue said, “but they are necessary. They remind every firefighter that cancer prevention is not just a policy, it is a cultural responsibility.”
Perdue noted that Charlotte Fire also takes part in broader initiatives. Members are encouraged to enroll in North Carolina’s firefighter cancer benefit program to help with out-of-pocket costs. The department promotes the National Firefighter Cancer Registry, participates in the University of Miami’s International Firefighter Cancer Initiative, contributes to the Female Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study with the University of Phoenix, and partners locally on Code T.O.M., which provides education and free optional testing for two blood cancer precursors while contributing data to Levine Cancer Institute.
Crews prepare to attack a working fire, with smoke heavy in the air—scenes like this highlight the importance of cancer prevention efforts in the fire service.
Fire Chief Reginald Johnson said the work is both cultural and practical. “Every policy only matters if it becomes a habit,” Johnson said. “We expect clean gear, respiratory protection during overhaul, and medical checkups without delay. That diligence is saving lives, and we will keep investing in it.”
National concern, local vigilance
PFAS chemicals in turnout gear, combined with the toxic mix of modern structure fires, remain concerns. “We are committed to science-based decisions,” Perdue said. “When evidence points to a safer option, we move.”
Charlotte Firefighters face down flames during training, a reminder of the dangers on the job beyond cancer-causing exposures.
Charlotte’s Health and Safety Division now treats cancer the way suppression treats a fire: size it up, understand exposures, and act immediately. Medical surveillance, mandatory screenings, and behavioral-health supports are layered to reduce both physical and emotional burdens.
“Finding cancer early is a huge win, even though it is never a diagnosis anyone wants,” Perdue said. “Our members often survive at higher rates because they catch it sooner.”
Four firefighters, four perspectives
To show the human side of these policies, Charlotte Fire is sharing four personal stories of prostate cancer. Each is different, but together they underline why prevention, detection, and peer support matter.
A captain’s decision: Russ Harwell
Captain Russ Harwell, photographed in front of Firehouse 31, shares his story of facing prostate cancer and the strength he found in support from his family and fellow firefighters.
Harwell’s PSA stayed high enough to prompt a biopsy that revealed cancer in three cores. At 46, he opted for a radical prostatectomy, which cleared his margins. He speaks openly about the side effects many men hesitate to discuss, from pads to ED, and stresses that talking to other firefighters made the biggest difference. Harwell now pays it forward by sharing his story and advice with colleagues.
The long haul: Mark Meylor
Firefighter Mark Meylor, photographed in his turnout gear at Firehouse 31, opens up about his battle with prostate cancer and the lasting challenges that come after surgery.
Meylor’s cancer was aggressive, and he underwent hormone therapy and endured its punishing side effects. He worked when he could, built a house in his off time to stay busy, and leaned on his wife and crew. He talks about weight gain, hot flashes, and the strain of waiting for test results. Meylor tells younger firefighters to break the old culture of dirty gear as a badge of honor and take every precaution seriously.
Supported on shift: Engineer Brian Rodman
Charlotte Fire Engineer Brian Rodman, photographed at his firehouse, shares his story of battling prostate cancer while continuing to serve the community with strength and determination.
Rodman’s diagnosis began with a city physical and a sharp PSA rise. Scans revealed widespread cancer in his prostate. Within hours of hearing the news on duty, his captain, chief, and wife were with him, making a plan. His treatment included months of radiation and hormone therapy that left him drained, but he kept working when possible. Division Chief Jeff Richardson was a constant support. Rodman says he is proof that annual physicals save lives and urges younger firefighters to get past the discomfort of screenings.
Life after cancer: retired Captain Scott Walker
Captain Scott Walker, retired from Charlotte Fire, now shares his story of life after cancer, underscoring the importance of awareness and support for fellow firefighters.
Walker’s PSA jumped in 2018 during a routine check, and a biopsy confirmed cancer. He chose robotic surgery on the advice of his doctor, then endured a tough year that included two other major surgeries. He leaned on light duty at headquarters, the perspective of a colleague fighting lymphoma, and conversations with other firefighters who had been through it. Retired since 2022, Walker jokes “every day is Saturday.” He enjoys time with family, the gym, and looks forward to deer hunting season. He continues to take calls from firefighters seeking guidance.
Charlotte Fire will be sharing the full stories of Walker, Rodman, Harwell, and Meylor throughout September. This feature is a preview of the series, highlighting four unique journeys through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
The culture shift
Charlotte Fire’s cancer prevention message is clear: wear respiratory protection through overhaul, decon on scene, clean and inspect gear, schedule annual physicals, and talk to your doctor. But it also extends to support networks. Members facing cancer are encouraged to connect with peers, behavioral-health staff, and external groups like the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
Johnson said it comes down to consistency. “Cleaner operations, smarter medical care, and peer support all save lives. The challenge is to make them a habit every single day.”
Firefighters advance a hose line in front of intense fire during a live training exercise, underscoring the hazardous conditions tied to long-term health risks.
Why it matters
Cancer prevention is not an abstract health campaign for Charlotte Fire. It is the lived experience of firefighters who caught it early, chose different treatments, and are still here to talk about it.
Walker, Rodman, Harwell, and Meylor show four paths through the same diagnosis. Their stories demonstrate how Charlotte Fire’s screenings, culture, and support systems can turn statistics into survivors, and why the department keeps fighting cancer long after the flames are out.
Editor’s note: Facing the Fire Within is a four-part series sharing the personal stories of Charlotte Firefighters diagnosed with prostate cancer. The series aims to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and ensure no firefighter faces this battle alone.