From WatchFest to the Fire Station

How one conversation became three mornings of free skin cancer screenings for Decatur Fire Rescue

Earlier this summer, I wrote about how Decatur WatchFest had become much more than a sponsorship for us.

One of the conversations I mentioned was with members of Decatur Fire Rescue. Our teams happened to be neighbors at WatchFest, and during our time together, I suggested that we bring free skin cancer screenings directly to the department.

At the time, it was simply an idea.

I’m very happy to say that we followed through.

Making the Screenings Work for Every Shift

Fire Rescue leadership immediately understood the value of the screenings and was wonderfully supportive of making them happen.

Of course, organizing an event for a fire department is not quite as simple as choosing a morning and inviting everyone to attend. Decatur Fire Rescue operates on three 24-hour shifts. If we held only one screening event, many personnel would not be there to participate.

The solution was straightforward: we would return on three consecutive Thursdays, with one morning dedicated to each shift.

Fire Marshal Ninetta Violante and Captain Byrd helped turn our initial conversation into a workable program. They coordinated the schedule, found appropriate space for private examinations, and managed the on-site logistics that allowed us to work without disrupting the department’s daily operations.

Over those three mornings, our team was able to screen the majority of Decatur Fire Rescue personnel. Each participant received a private skin examination and individualized guidance about their skin health.

“Our department took an important step forward in combatting cancer in our personnel. We partnered with Decatur Dermatology to have our personnel go through a skin check. During my consultation, they found an area of concern. (…). I would never have known if I had not participated in this partnership. A big shout out to Chief Washington, Captain Byrd, and Chief Violante for making this partnership possible.”
- Deputy Fire Chief Dominic R. Orlando

Caring for the People Who Care for Decatur

What stayed with me most was how readily Fire Rescue leadership supported the idea.

Dr. Kelli Baender and members of the Decatur Dermatology & Aesthetics team with Decatur Fire Rescue personnel following one of three complimentary skin cancer screening events held for the department’s three 24-hour shifts.

Their response reflected a genuine commitment to the health and well-being of their personnel. They did not simply agree that skin cancer awareness was important—they made the time and created the structure needed to give people across all three shifts an opportunity to participate.

Firefighters spend their careers showing up for others, often under demanding and unpredictable circumstances. It was meaningful for us to bring care directly to them and make it a little easier for them to take time for their own skin health.

For me, this is exactly the kind of role I hoped our practice could play in Decatur.

Meaningful community efforts do not always begin with a formal plan. Sometimes they begin with neighboring tents, a conversation, and people who are willing to turn a good idea into something practical.

I am grateful to Fire Marshal Violante, Captain Byrd, and the entire Decatur Fire Rescue team for welcoming us so warmly. I’m also grateful to our own team for giving their time and care across all three mornings.

Most of all, I’m glad that the conversation we began at WatchFest did not remain just a conversation.

It became something real—and something we were proud to do for the people who serve our community every day.

Warmly,
Dr. Kelli Baender