Boulet Administration Expands Firefighter Cancer Screenings
BOULET ADMINISTRATION SECURES NEARLY $178,000 THROUGH FEDERAL GRANT TO EXPAND CANCER SCREENING FOR FIREFIGHTERS
FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant will support early cancer detection for eligible Lafayette firefighters and retirees
Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) and the Lafayette Fire Department (LFD) have secured $177,954.54 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to expand cancer screening and early detection services for eligible Lafayette firefighters and retirees. Combined with a $17,795.46 local match, the federal award will provide a total investment of $195,750 in firefighter cancer screenings and allow LFD to significantly expand access to early detection services.
Firefighters face increased occupational cancer risks from repeated exposure to carcinogens encountered during fire suppression, rescue operations, hazardous materials incidents and other emergency response activities. LFD has experienced the impact firsthand. Over the last approximately 15 years, 25 Lafayette firefighters have been diagnosed with cancer and 13 have died from the disease.
“Cancer is one of the greatest threats facing firefighters today, and early detection can make all the difference,” said Lafayette Fire Chief Earl Borden. “When I came to Lafayette, expanding cancer screening was a priority for me, and our staff went to work looking for ways to make that possible. Securing this grant will allow us to move from screening only a small percentage of our personnel to significantly expanding access to early detection screening for our eligible firefighters and retirees. This was a team effort, and I’m proud that we now have an opportunity to provide a resource that could ultimately save the life of one of our firefighters.”
Expanding Early Detection for Lafayette Firefighters
LFD currently has resources to provide cancer screenings to approximately 10 percent of eligible personnel. This funding will allow the department to significantly expand screening access for eligible firefighters and retirees, substantially increasing the number of current and retired firefighters who have access to early detection services.
The program will use contractual medical services provided by licensed healthcare professionals and integrate cancer screening into LFD’s existing health and wellness efforts. The initiative is expected to include physician-conducted screenings and Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) testing. LFD will work through the implementation process to select an appropriate provider and finalize the specific screening and testing services available within the funding.
The expanded screening program also supports LCG’s implementation of Louisiana Act 554, enacted in 2024, which requires full-time firefighters to be offered physician-conducted cancer screenings beginning three years after employment and periodically thereafter. No dedicated state funding accompanied the mandate.
“Our firefighters dedicate their careers to protecting Lafayette, and we have a responsibility to invest in their health and well-being,” said Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. “Chief Borden made expanding cancer screening an early priority for the department, and this grant helps us turn that priority into action. Bringing these federal dollars home to Lafayette means more of our firefighters and retirees will have access to screenings that can make a real difference in their lives and the lives of families who love and support them.”
The Lafayette City Council will consider the necessary budget amendment during tonight’s council meeting (agenda item No. 14: CO-092-2026) to recognize the federal award, provide the local match and appropriate funding for the cancer screening program. Following appropriation and completion of the implementation process, LFD expects expanded cancer screenings to begin in 2027. The department will work to provide screening opportunities to as many eligible firefighters and retirees as possible within the available funding.
The initiative is part of LFD’s broader effort to strengthen firefighter health and wellness, reduce occupational risks and maintain a healthy, prepared workforce capable of serving Lafayette for years to come.
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