That’s why when Ellis was diagnosed with testicular cancer, the most prevalent cancer among firefighters, he made sure to turn it into a teachable experience rather than a personal tragedy. He shared his own experiences, brought in guest speakers and encouraged screenings for early detection among his firefighters. Ellis credits this action for the early detection and treatment of at least one of his firefighters’ colon cancer.

“It’s important to have a positive outlook,” says Ellis of his cancer diagnosis two years ago. “Each person is different, not a statistic. Focus on what will make you healthy, surround yourself with the best healthcare professionals, educate yourself and make the decisions that are best for you.”

Occupational hazards for firefighters put them at an increased risk for cancer and heart diseases, so Ellis has made wellness a priority for his firefighters. The Fire Chief secured a grant to purchase exercise equipment for every fire station, including a 4,000 square feet wellness facility at their headquarters. On most days, he starts his workday exercising alongside his firefighters.

The Long Beach Cancer League’s 33rd annual fundraising gala, “In the Mood”, honors Dave and his wife Roni, both cancer survivors, for their tireless efforts to raise cancer awareness. The gala is slated for 6 p.m. on April 25 at the Daugherty Sky Harbor Hangar, adjacent to the Long Beach Airport.

“Firefighters rarely think of themselves while in the line of duty, and it is characteristic of that same work ethic that Dave performs a gesture that transcends beyond work but performs the same result – lives saved,” says Lynne Pillsbury, event sponsorship committee chair for the Long Beach Cancer League.

After high school, Ellis worked in construction. A close friend’s enthusiasm for his work as a firefighter sparked his interest in the profession and its principles.

“I was working with a group of people in construction who did not have some of the qualities that I valued,” says Ellis. “I came home that day, took a map and called every city in Southern California to ask when they gave the test to become a firefighter.”

He slept overnight in line with hundreds of hopeful firefighters. It was no easy feat – not all applicants pass the demanding test and academy curriculum on their first attempt, but Ellis did. In 1980, he started as a firefighter in Glendale, and two years later he returned home to join the Long Beach Fire Department.

As Ellis climbed up the ranks, he saw the importance of education. He went to California State University, Long Beach in early 2000 for a bachelor’s degree. Those lessons instilled in him a commitment to education and lifelong learning. As he mentors up-and-coming firefighters, Ellis encourages them to go back to school so that they are better equipped to grapple challenges like the social and financial issues faced by the department.

There is no typical day for Ellis, and for a lesser-dedicated person it would be exhausting. Much of his day is dedicated to leading 580 Long Beach Fire Department staff, including 440 sworn firefighters, ensuring that they have the resources they need to protect and serve Long Beach. He’s also like a CEO managing a business with a budget of more than $85 million. He works with other fire chiefs as president of the California Metro Fire Chiefs to ensure that training requirements are up to date, and has a regular schedule of meetings with city leaders and department officials.

“I put out different fires now than I used to do when I was at a fire station,” says Ellis. “I think more about the big picture. I want to make sure that my firefighters have the best tools and training they need to put out a fire or save a life.”

Whether its raising awareness about cancer or making sure his firefighters have the best resources, Ellis says education is the key to safety and well-being.

“It’s going to take education and exposure to different ways of thought, that is why education becomes increasingly more important as we go forward and for the future generation who will lead this department,” says Ellis.

Visit longbeachgala.org to learn more about the fundraiser in support of the Long Beach Cancer League.