Believe… 
in Early Detection and Resilience
Carlos Camarena
In November 2022, Carlos Camarena, Deputy Chief with Cal OES, received a diagnosis that would change his life—prostate cancer. After years of serving others in the fire service and emergency management profession, Carlos suddenly found himself facing a challenge of his own.
Throughout his cancer journey, Carlos relied on the support of his family, friends, and the fire service community. The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) became a vital source of encouragement, information, and peer support. Connecting with fellow firefighters who had faced similar diagnoses reminded him that he was not alone and provided strength during treatment and recovery.
Carlos has since become an advocate for the importance of regular health screenings and early detection. By sharing his experience, he hopes to encourage firefighters and emergency responders to take charge of their health and seek medical attention when something does not seem right.
Today, Carlos’s story serves as a reminder that cancer can affect anyone. His resilience, positive attitude, and commitment to helping others continue to inspire members of the fire service throughout California.
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