WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative John James (MI-10) welcomed Macomb Township firefighter Joe Warne to be his guest for President Trump’s address for the 2025 joint session of Congress.
Joe Warne is the President of Neighbors United, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting firefighting families that are affected by cancer. In 2019, Mr. Warne started the “Walk for the Red,” an annual 140-mile walk across the state of Michigan to bring awareness and support to firefighters battling cancer, which is the number one killer for firefighters. Compared to the general public, firefighters have a 9% higher risk of developing cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer.
This year’s Walk for the Red will take place September 4th-7th, beginning in Macomb County and concluding in Kent County. More information about Neighbors United and the Walk for the Red can be found here.
Rep. James is a member of the bipartisan Cancer Prevention Caucus and participated in the 2024 Walk for the Red. In February, Rep. James introduced a resolution recognizing February 4th as “National Cancer Prevention Day.”
Rep. James released the following statement:
“Our firefighters face a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the public—we must do more to stop this. Joe Warne is a hero who has been on the frontline of the battle against this devastating disease, which has caused far too much heartbreak and devastation. Joe is leading the fight to bring financial and emotional support to those who risk it all for our safety. Thank you, Joe, for all you do for our first responders.”
Joe Warne also issued the following statement:
“Cancer doesn’t just attack the individual, cancer devastates families, friends, and colleagues. Together we can make a difference and Neighbors United is on a mission to help all those affected in the fire service by cancer. I thank Representative James for inviting me and for raising awareness about the destruction that cancer causes. I know our firefighters and first responders have an ally and friend in Washington with Rep. James.”
###
