05/17/2026
Local 799 members were out today to participate in the Blazing Battle Against Brain Cancer runs today 🏃♂️ 🏃♀️ in memory Battalion Chief James Varin. The annual races are held to raise funds to support The Rhode Island Brain & Spine Tumor Foundation’s. Who’s mission is to provide comprehensive support to those individuals, and families of those diagnosed, with brain or spine tumors.
An excerpt taken from their website remembering Chief Varin:
“Jim Varin was a dedicated firefighter in the city of Providence for 31 years. He always expressed how extremely thankful he was to have a job that he loved so much.
In January of 2022, Jim’s life as he knew it completely changed. He was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive and fatal form of brain cancer, at the young age of 52. Due to this diagnosis, Jim would never be able to return to his fire station and perform the job he loved.
Before his passing, just 13 months later, he talked about wanting to help others who may be affected by Glioblastoma down the road. I assured him that his death would not be in vain and that we would make sure some good came from him being taken from us too soon by such a relentless cancer.
The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer 5k/10k is not only a way to keep Jim’s memory alive and positively channel the pain so many of us feel in his absence, but most importantly it will fulfill Jim’s desire to help others who are faced with a brain or spine cancer diagnosis.”
This is an annual race so we hope to see you next year!
