Jane Belisle is the sister of one of our Lieutenants, Matt Rettmer and lives in Charlottesville, VA.  Three years ago, in February 2018, she had significant breast cancer that was treated and removed. A second recurrence was found in her armpit in late 2020. She has since started a five-week radiation treatment.

To help her along the way, she created her own Warrior/Spirit Team. She reached out to her network of friends and family to garner support.

Today, was her day to host "Spend a Day with Jane". She stated "I ask you to do whatever feels right for you to connect with me on that day. It doesn't need to be a big production; I just want to know you're thinking about me as I'm thinking about you on that day. That's really the most important thing to me."

Via the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service, Deputy Chief Joe Powers with Charlottesville FD rallied his troops to help support Jane on her special day.

The on-duty crew of Truck 9, Engine 7, and OPS2 Shift Fire Marshall for A-shift did not disappoint. They arrived around mid-day to surprise her with some chocolates from Gearharts and to support her with some Fire Family love. Captain Brian Powell (Truck 9) is a cancer survivor himself and said, "I was happy to be part of this. Being a cancer survivor myself, I wanted her to know this brotherhood/sisterhood extends beyond firefighters."

From Local 4116 and Lt. Matt Rettmer, we extend our sincere gratitude to the on-duty crew and C-Ville FD for demonstrating the love and support.