Columbia Professional Firefighters Local 793 Announces Partnership with SC Oncology Associates to Offer Free Cancer Screenings for First Responders

The Columbia Professional Firefighters Local 793 and the Columbia Fire Department are proud to announce a new life-saving partnership with South Carolina Oncology Associates (SCOA) to provide free, comprehensive cancer screenings to firefighters at the Columbia Fire Department.

“In medical oncology we realize the importance of medical history and age appropriate cancer screening,” said Joe Collins, MD, Medical Oncologist. “This first responder program offers simple, free, and quick access to appropriate screening for some of our most deserving population. It’s been my pleasure meeting these folks that make sacrifices for us every day.  The least we can do is make sure that they are healthy.”

Firefighters are routinely exposed to a variety of carcinogens like soot, combustion byproducts, chemical residues, and hazardous building materials, which place them at elevated risk for many forms of cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that firefighters face a substantially greater risk of dying from cancers such as kidney and skin cancer compared with the general public. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, occupational cancer is now the leading cause of line-of-duty death in the fire service. In 2023, 72 percent of IAFF member line-of-duty deaths were attributed to cancer. From 2002 to 2019, cancer accounted for approximately 66 percent of career firefighter line-of-duty fatalities.

“We are honored to partner with the incredible team at SC Oncology Associates to bring this life-saving initiative to our firefighters,” said Local 793 Union President Josh Moskaitis. “Early cancer detection is critical to ensuring that our members have every tool necessary to protect themselves from the harmful carcinogens we face daily.”

SCOA is widely recognized as one of the southeastern U.S.’s leaders in cancer care and has served the Columbia area for more than 40 years. Its comprehensive services include medical, radiation, and gynecologic oncology, advanced diagnostics, infusion therapy, and ancillary support services. As a private practice, they can offer more affordable treatments compared to hospitals.

“When we were first asked to consider doing the cancer screenings for the firefighters, it was a no brainer,” said Wade Bonner, Chief Operating Officer of SCOA. “Our doctors said yes immediately. Not only did they say yes but they wanted to do it for free and expand it to also include law enforcement and EMS in Richland, Lexington, and Kershaw counties. Firefighters, law enforcement, and EMS personnel sacrifice a lot to serve our communities and often times don’t receive the thanks they deserve. This was something we could do to show them we appreciate them.”

Under this program:

  • Screenings will be offered at no cost to participating firefighters.
  • Participants will be asked to provide their insurance information. This is in case follow-up care is needed.
  • The initial clinical contact will be with Dr. Robert (Joe) Collins III, MD, MPH, unless otherwise directed by SCOA.
  • Diagnostic services in SCOA’s Sumter office are not part of this offering; only the Columbia facility will provide the screenings.

Local 793 stands united in gratitude to SCOA for making this offering possible. “The Columbia Professional Firefighters Local 793 is deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with an organization that not only leads the way in cancer screenings and treatment, but also exemplifies compassionate patient care; one of the core values that Local 793 proudly stands for,” Moskaitis added.

We encourage all firefighters in Richland and Lexington counties to take advantage of this opportunity. Early detection saves lives.

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Reduced staffing places firefighters and the public at risk

Three weeks ago, Columbia Firefighter Zach Lollis faced every firefighter’s worst nightmare. 

In the early hours of the morning on August 21, 2025, Lollis and his Dentsville station crew responded to a commercial fire. Within moments of forcing the front door, the roof gave way and collapsed on top of him. Pinned under debris and surrounded by fire, Zach called a mayday. He became trapped, but was saved within 17 minutes. 

Firefighting has always been part of Zach Lollis’s life. He is a fourth-generation firefighter, carrying on a proud family tradition. But two weeks ago, in a burning Columbia building, that legacy nearly ended when the roof collapsed on top of him.

“I just knew that I had to get out of there, so I was trying to pull myself out anywhere I could,” Zach said. “Once I realized I was actually stuck and that I wasn’t going anywhere, I was absolutely terrified. I thought I was gonna die, but I knew people were coming for me, and they would give it all they had.”

He suffered second-degree burns, but he survived. Today, Zach is home recovering, supported by his fellow firefighters and his family.

But when he talks about that night, one concern keeps coming up: staffing.

“It’s a concern for us, but it should also be a concern for the citizens,” Zach explained. “When a truck goes out short, firefighters end up doing two, sometimes three jobs at once. That’s when mistakes happen. It’s not ideal.”

On the night of his mayday, several trucks were running short. Only one that helped get him out had a whole crew. 

“We got lucky,” Zach said. “I was able to walk out. But the next time, we may not be so lucky.”

Since that night, Zach says he’s felt incredible support. “Chief Jenkins and Mayor Rickenmann came to the hospital. Members of Local 793 and the department have checked on me every single day.” 

But he also knows that support after the fact isn’t enough. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, it takes 12 firefighters to save one downed firefighter. 

Firefighting will always come with risks, but running short makes it even more dangerous. Not just for the firefighters, but for the people they protect.

“Our job is to protect the community,” Zach said. “But the community has to help protect us too.”

Safety should never be negotiable. The Columbia Professional Firefighters Association Local 793 is calling for fully staffed trucks. Every firefighter missing places all of us at greater risk, especially the citizens we swore to protect. Please get in touch with your City or County representative and Chief Aubrey Jenkins and let them know our community can’t afford empty seats or short crews.

 

Edit made on Saturday, September 13. Original story included a quote from Lollis. Changed to “He also knows that support after the fact isn’t enough. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, it takes 12 firefighters to save one downed firefighter.”

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