Photo gallery: ‘Hose-cutting’ ceremony opens Firefighter Cancer Center

A groundbreaking new clinic focused on screening firefighters for cancer opened its doors Wednesday.

The Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center, launched by the Utah Firefighter Cancer Initiative, is offering what experts call the most comprehensive firefighter cancer screening program in the nation. The center’s mission is clear: catch cancer early, save lives.

The center is a product of HB65, a bill that provides three years of funding for the initiative. The legislation positions Utah as a national leader in firefighter health and safety, according to a KSL-TV story.

Research shows firefighters face cancer rates up to seven times higher than the general population.

According to KSL-TV, the clinic will screen more than 500 firefighters annually, using advanced scans to detect 14 types of cancer known to disproportionately affect firefighters.

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Rep. Casey Snider and other state leaders joined Utah Firefighter Cancer Initiative officials at the opening ceremony, celebrating a collaborative effort between Utah Valley University, the Utah State Fire Chiefs Association, the Professional Firefighters of Utah and the University of Utah-Weber State University Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health.

Deseret News photojournalist Rio Giancarlo captured photos of Wednesday’s event, which included a unique “hose-cutting” ceremony.

Firefighters take a tour of the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City after the hose-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Draper Fire Chief Clint Smith gives a tour of the new Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
A screening room at the new Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
A sign thanking firefighters for their service is on display in a screening room at the new Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft, left, and Draper Fire Chief Clint Smith, right, give a tour of the new Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft, right, and Draper Fire Chief Clint Smith, left, give a tour of the new Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Draper Fire Chief Clint Smith gives a tour of the new Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
The waiting room at the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
A firefighter helmet hangs on the wall of the waiting room at the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
A pin is attached to a welcome note for the hose-cutting ceremony for the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Guests arrive at the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City for the hose-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft looks on during the hose-cutting ceremony for the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Pins are attached to greeting notes at the hose-cutting ceremony for the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, left, introduces herself to firefighters from the Lehi Fire Department before the hose-cutting ceremony at the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah Fire and Rescue Senior Director Bradley Wardle speaks during the hose-cutting ceremony for the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Professional Fire Fighters of Utah President Jack Tidrow speaks during the hose-cutting ceremony for the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Salt Lake City Fire Department Battalion Chief Kyle Lavender looks on during the hose-cutting ceremony for the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson speaks during the hose-cutting ceremony for the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft speaks during the hose-cutting ceremony for the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
A light blue prostate cancer awareness pin sits next to the hose used in the hose-cutting ceremony for the Utah Firefighter Health & Wellness Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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