Members of the Brewton Fire Department became quite a sensation last fall when firefighters were seen sporting pink t-shirts on and off the job — all in an effort to bring awareness to breast cancer.

Brewton Fire Chief Lawrence Weaver said the shirts caused a stir last year, so much that the men have agreed to wear them again.

“The guys really got noticed when they wore the pink shirts last year,” Weaver said. “The idea of wearing the shirts was to make folks notice Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. It really caught on and people were really talking about it.”

With a new year and a new idea, Weaver said the wearing of the pink shirts this year will offer a different kind of support.

“Due to the numerous requests we had last year, the shirts will be available to the public,” Weaver said. “All the proceeds from the sale of the shirts will go to the Yancey Jernigan Foundation.”

Emmie Jernigan, overseer of the Yancey Jernigan Foundation, said the inclusion of the Foundation in the efforts of the firefighters is exciting.

“I’m just delighted that they’ve decided to wear the shirts again and include the Yancey Jernigan Foundation this year,” Jernigan said. “We want to work with them to help the effort be a success.”

Jernigan and Weaver have organized efforts to make the shirts available through Jernigan’s retail location, Thou Art.

“We will be taking the orders for the shirts and getting them for people who want to wear the pink shirts this year,” Jernigan said. “We are happy to be joining in with the fire department for this.”

Weaver said the cost of the shirts is $20 per shirt and orders will need to be placed before Sept. 5.

“We are only doing pre-orders this year to eliminate buying shirts that aren’t worn,” Weaver said. “To have the shirts back in time to wear for the October awareness month, we need to have the shirts ordered and paid for before Sept. 5. That will be cutting things a little close, but I believe it can be done.”

The Yancey Jernigan Foundation was created as a means to offer emotional and financial support to families in Escambia County who are battling cancer. The foundation also strives to educate the public and provide resources to accelerate progress in the fight against cancer.

To place an order for a shirt or to make a donation to the Yancey Jernigan Foundation, contact Thou Art at 707 Douglas Ave., or call 809-1300.