Local firefighters win IAFF’s ‘Pink T-Shirt Contest’ blending breast cancer awareness with Hispanic Heritage Month

CARPENTERSVILLE — Recently the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) announced that Illinois Local 4790 located in Carpentersville is celebrating after its unique pink T-shirt design took first place in the IAFF’s annual “Best Pink T-Shirt Contest.”

According to the IAFF, this year, Local 4790 decided to get creative by blending two important causes—Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Hispanic Heritage Month—into one powerful design. The T-shirts feature “La Catrina,” also known as La Calavera Catrina, one of the most recognizable symbols of the Dia de los Muertos holiday. The design is combined with breast cancer awareness elements like pink ribbons and the words “familia” (family) and “orgullo” (pride).

“On behalf of the entire 8th District, I offer our congratulations to Local 4790 on their well-deserved win in the IAFF’s Best Pink T-Shirt Design Contest,” said 8th District Vice President Mark Sanders. “Their creativity in combining Breast Cancer Awareness and Hispanic Heritage Month is a powerful way to honor both causes. It’s a perfect example of how our union can make an impact in the community. Well done, Local 4790!”

Additionally, the IAFF stated that the design has been embraced by the local community in the way it connects culture, community, and the fight against breast cancer.

“Winning a contest and being recognized at the International level is a great accomplishment, and our local is truly honored, but we know we could not have achieved this without the incredible support of our community,” said Local 4790 President Matt Jackson. “We continuously try to find ways to connect and support our community throughout the year, whether it’s Project Fire Buddies, Toys for Tots, or our St. Baldrick’s fundraiser. Every time, the community shows up to support us so that we can give back whenever possible.”

Proceeds from Local 4790’s T-shirt sales benefit Advocate Sherman Hospital’s (1425 N Randall Road, Elgin) Breast Cancer Center. Jackson added that the local plans to continue these efforts in the future. “We do several T-shirt fundraisers every year, and we have every intention of continuing to create and produce more awareness T-shirts in the upcoming year. It’s one of the many ways our local can give back and support local charities.”

October is recognized across the United States and Canada as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, however, voting for the IAFF’s contest ended on Nov. 8.

The win offers Local 4790 with a free registration to the upcoming IAFF Affiliate Leadership Training Summit in 2025.