By Cyote Williams

A video on the Des Moines Firefighters Facebook page that depicts the story of several firefighters and their battles with cancer has gone viral. The video has had more than 55,000 views in recent days. CITYVIEW spoke with Des Moines Firefighter Jason Mason, who runs the department's social media and put together the videos to help address the lacking cancer insurance coverage.

Upon showing the videos to his supervisors, Mason said they decided the best way to use them was to enact change.

“I did the film portion and then passed the baton on to the supervisors, focusing on how we can use them to make a positive change,” said Mason.

The video, posted Jan. 8, includes the story of Mike Broderick, who died from liver cancer at age 51 this past weekend. Broderick was a prominent figure within the Des Moines Fire Department. His death affected many in the community, but it might also affect some positive change.

“To lose him was a tremendous loss on the fire department. It does open up a lot of people’s eyes as to why certain cancers are covered and others aren't,” said Mason. “Iowa only has 13 cancers covered out of 200. As firefighters we are going into environments that are much different than 20, 30, 40 years ago. Everything's plastic; that stuff burns at a much higher temp and gives off gasses. We're wearing masks, but that stuff is still on our gear, and we bring that gear back to the station, and now it's in our home. We do our best to clean and decontaminate it, but there's only so much you can get out.”

Mason added that, 10-12 years ago, when the firefighters agreed to the plan currently in place, the legislature picked and chose what they wanted covered.

“It’s partially our fault. We were just happy to get what we got, but now we’re being left behind,” said Mason.

He told CITYVIEW the proposal they plan to bring will change the current language to say ALL cancers will be covered for the Des Moines Fire Department.

According to data from the Preventative Diagnostic Center, firefighters have a 9% higher risk of a cancer diagnosis and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general population.

The fire department has created some of their own changes. In 2021, Fire Station 11 was built on the northeast side of Des Moines and came equipped with advanced elements to help them with decontamination from hazardous environments and substances. Mason says, while techniques and technology are improving, their biggest focus remains on the health of the firefighters.

“The biggest thing is bringing awareness and trying to get these guys covered. We're working on new things every day, from decontamination to how to clean your gear, etc. Mainly, it’s how we can go forward so we don’t lose more people,” said Mason.

Your Clear Mortgage forecast

Colder temperatures will be with us through Saturday. The warm-up begins Sunday, and we’ll see with those warmer temperatures and rain chances next week.

For help with pre-approvals or refinancing, get in touch with Originating Branch Manager Carrie Hansen at carrie.mortgage.

Okoboji Writers Retreat adds song writing 
Now in its fourth year, this September event features writers from across America while attendees range from experienced writers seeking to hone their craft further to those dipping their toes in the creative waters. Afterglow reviews rave about what all get from this three-day immersion in the beautiful setting of Iowa's Great Lakes. The songwriting segment will feature children's song superstar Justin Roberts from Chicago and a legion of national, regional and Iowa Hall of Famers, household names, covering jazz, blues, folk, country, rock and rap. Learn more and register (while availability remains - this event sells out).

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! - It's back
Des Moines Performing Arts. "Mamma Mia!” Jan. 23-28. 

Heritage Art Gallery. "artists as mode, model as artist." Now through Feb. 15. For this solo exhibition at the Polk County Heritage Gallery, local photographer Brittany Brooke Crow draws inspiration from her experience modeling for drawing classes. Her recent fragmentary self-portraits explore themes of intimacy, gender and queerness.

— John Busbee, The Culture Buzz

We told you yesterday about "New Orleans" wings, which are a huge thing in China but unknown in New Orleans. For context,  Philadelphia cream cheese hails from New York according to Kraft/Heinz, and Swedish meatballs came from Turkey. General Tso’s chicken is unknown in China and was probably invented in New York City. (WSJ)

Thailand's Bureau of Tourism announced this week that it will emulate Japan's very successful rural tourism promotions. Think about that Travel Iowa. We don't have to pretend we aren't a rural state. There are lots of city folk who just might like to spend their vacations on farms. (Newsroom Tokyo)

It's soup season at Eastside Eddie's (3517 E. 26th St., Des Moines) and Friday brings a seafood bisque special.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

FROM KCCI: No swan song: Bird saved after becoming frozen in Iowa lake

CLARION, Iowa — A swan found frozen in an icy Iowa lake is recovering after being rescued by conservation officers. The swan's feet and wings were frozen to the ice at Lake Cornelia near Clarion when two Wright County Conservation officers got to it on Wednesday....READ MORE FROM KCCI

FROM WHO-TV: Body found after fire is extinguished on east side of Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Police Department and Fire Department are investigating after a body was found during a response to a commercial fire Thursday afternoon.... READ MORE FROM WHO-TV

FROM WOI-DT Local 5: Preston Walls, convicted Starts Right Here shooter, sentenced to 65 years in prison

Walls' trial wrapped up in September 2023 after eight days of testimony and cross-examination.....READ MORE FROM WOI-DT Local 5