Portage Fire Department Firefighter Dies of Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

> Beginning the late 1800s, asbestos was mined and used in many different industries all over North America, especially before the World War II. Examples of industry use include:

- Automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brakeshoes and clutch pads.
- Building & construction industry uses asbestos for strengthening cement as well as sound absorption, roofing, insulation and fireproofing.
- Shipbuilding industry uses asbestos to insulate hot water pipes, boilers and steampipes... (Read More)

> About 2000 - 4000 Americans are diagnosed with Malignant Mesothelioma each year, and about 66% of those cases are of Pleural Mesothelioma. Pleural Mesothelioma occurs when Cancer hits the lining of the lungs, also known as the 'Pleura.' The Pleura is a Sac which houses the lungs, and consists of a thin membrane called the 'mesothelium.' The mesothelium is a vital part of the lungs because it enables them to expand and contract when breathing by secreting a fluid. This fluid is located in the lungs and inside of the rib cage. If the Pleura or the Pleural fluid becomes damaged with Cancer, it makes it very hard for the patient to breathe, thus shortness of breath is a common symptom of Pleural mesothelioma... (Read More)

(January 16th, 2010)

Portage, Indiana - Brad Wilson, a 56 year old veteran working at the Portage Fire Department for the last 25 years died this past monday from health issues relating to Mesothelioma lung cancer. Mr. Wilson developed some respiratory problems over the years, a symptom that is associated with this asbestos related cancer. His colleagues at the Portage Fire Department will remember Brad as a person who loved woodworking, and had a great sense of pride over his moustache. Jim Kelecava, a firefighter who worked with Mr. Wilson for more than 3 years @ the Sprinkle Station quotes, "When I think of Brad, I think of a guy who loved both of his families -- his true family and his firefighter family. When you're in this profession, there's a brotherhood you feel with your co-workers, and that's the same strong bond we all felt with Brad." Infact, when Mr. Wilson went on a disability leave last year, his colleagues always took his helmet on their next firefighting trips.

Captain Rick Nason of the Portage Fire Department quotes, "I'll miss Brad's smiling face and the love for him. He was very special to me, my kids called him uncle Brad." He adds, "Many people will recognize Brad, if not by the name, by the face. He's the guy with the handlebar mustache." "Brad touched many lives out in the field, but the most important thing he did was give back to the community."

Jim quotes further, "Brad wasn't one of these `look-at-me' kind of people. He was always in the background, and very quietly he did a lot of good things for other people." It is said that Wilson spent his Christmas at home with his family after which he returned to his hospital care center. The entire Portgage Fire department was wearing black badges in his honor since his death. Mr. Wilson is expected to be buried at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home in Indiana. Mr. Wilson leaves behind a wife and 3 daughters.