January 12, 2007 – Local 486 the Chatham-Kent Professional Fire Fighters Association is fighting for one of its newest members. Brother Bob Van Goethem just completed his six week orientation and was two days prior to his first regular shift when he went to the local emergency ward with a severe headache causing nausea and vomiting.
He was sent to London immediately where an MRI discovered two tumors on his brain, one in the frontal lobe and one on the left side. Biopsies determined both tumors were inoperable and cancerous. Bob has now undergone radiation and chemotherapy.
The members of Local 486 have rallied in support of Brother Van Goethem and his family. Members have been covering his shifts and they have been doing whatever they can to assist his family through this difficult time.
The Local is now embroiled in a grievance with the City over Bob’s entitlement to benefits which Local 486 President Shawn Mifflin expects will go to arbitration. The Local has met with the recently elected Mayor of Chatham-Kent (Randy Hope) in an effort to secure the Corporation’s support of Bob. The Local is also investigating whether Bob’s years as a volunteer fire fighter for the community could have attributed to Bob’s cancer.
Delegates gathered at the OPFFA’s Dr. Eric Taylor fall educational seminar dug generously into their pockets to provide some financial relief for Brother Van Goethem and his family. To continue the fundraising efforts, Local 486 is organizing a “Broasted Chicken Dinner” on Wednesday, January 17, 2007. Tickets are $20.00 and more information can be obtained by contacting the local directly at CKPFFA@gmail.com
Media coverage on this story has hit the local airwaves and print media. Click on the following links for printed media coverage:
London Free Press January 11, 2007
Chatham Daily News January 12, 2007
