Cindy Ell is a retired firefighter/Critical Care Paramedic originally from Anne Arundel County MD, with a background in emergency communications, critical care, labor advocacy and private investigations. After a cancer cluster occurred among the firefighters she served with in Maryland, Cindy began researching and tracking firefighter cancer in 1990. As a result of her findings, The Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation was launched in 2004.

Unfortunately, Cindy did not miss the bullet. Cancer struck her as well in 2005; she was reminded of the importance of a strong support system and the value of an organization providing timely resources and guidance. In 2016, she experienced life-altering PTSD following the sudden death of her husband in her presence. As men and women of firefighting have a tendency to isolate themselves when they become ill, she set out to change that mindset and bring people together. Her early efforts resulted in a strong collaboration of peers who provide their stricken member with anything from teaching health advocacy, tangible resources, trips to doctor’s offices, support to the family, meals, etc.

Since that time, the work of the dedicated members of the FFCF has led to establishment of a multitude of programs, resources and research that have impacted the lives of firefighters and their family members globally.

Cindy now resides in her native Vermont and also donates her time to the Castleton Volunteer Fire Department, Town of Castleton Emergency Management (PIO) and the Vermont Fire Service as a subject matter expert.

Recognized for her ability to break down barriers associated with firefighter cancer, Cindy is a much sought-after keynote speaker and has participated in many national forums, summits and conferences creating awareness and advocacy for the firefighter community. In 2014, she was presented with the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award for her outstanding work during the San Francisco – Los Angeles Firefighter Cancer Awareness Ride surrounded by firefighters from across the United States.

Presently, with the support of a think-tank minded team, a chapter in Australia and domestic and international expert advisory, the organization is expanding to extinguish cancer in firefighters throughout the world. Functioning as a “Consumer affairs” resource for fact-checking fire industry products and processes, FFCF momentum and awareness continues to build across science, technology, medicine and academia.

For more information on the work at the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation, a calendar of events or to become involved as a member, please visit, www.ffcancer.org.

Brian McQueen is the past fire chief of the Whitesboro, NY, Volunteer Fire Department and a 45-year member of the volunteer fire service. He served as a Director of the National Volunteer Fire Council. He was a board member of the Firefighters Association State of New York. McQueen is retired as the Director of Information and Instructional Technologies in the Whitesboro Central School District, a position he held for 8 years. In his 34-year tenure with the School District, he worked for 19 years as a teacher in Oriskany CSD and then as Assistant Principal of the Middle School and Westmoreland Road Elementary School in addition to his role as the Director of IT. In his firefighting career, he worked his way up the ranks to becoming Fire Chief for four years (1999-2002) in the Whitesboro Volunteer Fire Department, where he still serves as the Safety Officer and Fire Prevention Coordinator.

Brian served as a Deputy Fire Coordinator for Oneida County, where he was in charge of planning the training for the county’s 43 volunteer departments. He also served as a member of the Oneida County Fire Advisory Board and has served for 11 years as the Chairman of Team New York Risk Watch. He previously served as chair of the Alexander Treadwell Committee on Development of Fire and Life Safety Curriculum for New York State. McQueen was named 2005 National Elementary Principal of the Year by the National Elementary Principals Association and in 1992 received the prestigious National Volunteer Fire Council’s Marc Mueller Fire Prevention Award of Excellence. He holds a B.S. in Education and a Graduate Certificate of Advanced Studies for School District Administrator. He and his wife, Sarah, have one child Ryan, daughter in law Erin, and 2 grandchildren, who lives in Marcy, NY. He is a principal author of the Lavender Ribbon and the updated Training Volunteers white paper published by the National Volunteer Fire Council and the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section.

John M. Buckman III served as a German Township Fire Chief managing volunteers for 35 years. He is most proud of the title “pawpaw.” Leslie his wife has spent 29 years together. He currently serves as Education Coordinator for the International Association of Fire Chief Volunteer and Combination Officers Section. He is the Director of Government and Regional Outreach for IamResponding. He served as the Indiana Fire Academy Director for 15 years. He served as President of the International Association of Fire Chief in 2001-2002.

He has authored over 150 articles in various publications. In 1996 he was selected by Fire Chief Magazine as Fire Chief of the Year in 1996. He has published 4 books and 7 photography books. He received the Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels Meritorious Service Award. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2022 he received the Jimmy Seavey Health and Wellness award presented by the NVFC. and the Presidents Award from the International Society of Fire Service Instructors.

He was one of the founders of the Volunteer and Combination Officer Section (VCOS) and the National Fire Academy Alumni Association. He has contributed to several “ribbon reports” published by the VCOS. He was asked to be one of the editors for the original Lavender Ribbon Report published by the VCOS and NVFC in 2019. In 2021 he along with Brian McQueen spearheaded the update for the Lavender Ribbon Report. He is a principal author of the Yellow Ribbon Report and the updated updated Training Volunteers white paper published by the National Volunteer Fire Council and the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section.