Pensacola Fire Department is #GOLDSTRONG this September!

In the spring of 2020, local firefighter Lincoln Mixson and his family received devastating news — his 6-year-old son, Wyatt, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. As the Mixson family began to understand the road ahead, they braced for the many challenges of treatment: travel to Houston, long hospital stays, many surgeries and an uncertain future. Our department knew we needed to stand beside them — to support one of our own. Wyatt was a tenacious and curious boy who loved visiting his dad at the fire station. He was fascinated by the fire trucks, the Polaris vehicles and everything that came with being part of the firehouse family. To Wyatt, the fire station was the coolest place in the world. During treatment he hated not being able to visit his dad at the fire station. During Wyatt’s courageous eight-month battle, he endured 11 surgeries, spent 53 nights in the hospital, and underwent more than 50 tests, as well as numerous rounds of chemo and radiation. Through it all, he showed extraordinary strength, resilience and hope. On February 16, 2021, Wyatt passed away. Though his life was short, his impact continues to ripple through our community. His story reminds us why we must do more. No family should have to endure what the Mixsons have faced. Our children deserve better. That’s why, in honor of Wyatt and all children fighting cancer, we are committed to raising awareness and funds to support research and treatment.