Support for FF Brett Malafeew in his ongoing fight with cancer
Support for FF Brett Malafeew and family
A 501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible Campaign
New York’s Brett Malafeew dedicated 22 years of service to the Ridge Road Fire District and was a respected leader within IAFF Local 3794 for much of his career. Before retiring in 2022, he served as Union President and earned the trust of fellow firefighters through his honesty, reliability, and commitment to the profession. During his career, Brett responded to deployments in Texas following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, assisted with flooding in the City of Binghamton, and supported recovery efforts on Long Island after Hurricane Sandy. He was a familiar presence in the firehouse, regularly covering open shifts and offering guidance to firefighters and officers who sought his advice. Brett retired at the age of 44 with the hope of spending more time with his family after years of dedicated service.
In October 2025, after experiencing ongoing medical concerns, Brett was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer that is presumed to be related to his career in the fire service. He underwent a lengthy surgery at the Cleveland Clinic to remove the cancer, but in May 2026 he learned that it had spread to his lymph nodes. Brett continues to face the challenges of job related cancer with determination and resilience. While undergoing treatment, he has become a strong advocate for regular cancer screenings and proper use of personal protective equipment to help protect both active and retired firefighters. At 48 years old, Brett remains committed to supporting the fire service community while continuing his own fight against cancer; let’s show Brett we support him just the same.
