Life Scan Wellness Exam Detects Cancer & Saves Life of Lubbock Fire Rescue Lieutenant

A routine annual physical is credited with saving the life of a Lubbock Fire Rescue (LFR) Lieutenant after detecting a mass on his kidney prior to any symptoms being present.

LFR Lieutenant Brett Assiter, a 30-year veteran of the fire service, was recently diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma following his annual Life Scan, as required for all suppression personnel under National Fire Protection Association (NPFA) 1582. Lieutenant Assiter underwent surgery earlier this month, is cancer free and expected to return to duty in the coming months.

Firefighters face a significantly increased risk of cancer due to exposure to carcinogens encountered on emergency scenes. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Fire Fighter occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service.

The Life Scan Wellness Program is a comprehensive annual medical evaluation specifically designed for first responders. It includes advanced imaging and diagnostic testing aimed at identifying serious health conditions, such as cancer, before symptoms appear.

“Life Scan’s early detection is what saved Brett’s life,” said Lubbock Fire Rescue Fire Chief Richard Stewart. “We are incredibly grateful to the citizens of Lubbock and our City administration for their continued support in providing these comprehensive physicals and proactive programs to minimize Firefighter cancer at Lubbock Fire Rescue.”

“I’m grateful beyond words. For the early detection, for my family, and for the people I get to serve alongside every day,” said Lieutenant Brett Assiter. “You never think something like this is going to happen to you. Because of Life Scan, I was given a second chance.”

Lubbock Fire Rescue has implemented a proactive approach to reduce cancer risk and protect its personnel. A key component of that effort is the department’s gear van program, which responds to incidents where firefighters may be exposed to products of combustion or bloodborne pathogens. The unit carries more than 200 sets of clean gear, including coats, pants, hoods, and gloves, allowing firefighters to immediately exchange contaminated equipment on scene. This process helps eliminate the spread of carcinogens back to fire stations and into firefighters’ homes.

Lubbock Fire Rescue remains committed to prioritizing the health and wellness of its personnel through proactive measures that reduce exposure, support early detection, and save lives.