Believe 31 is a 501(c)3 entity made up of Firefighters, EMS personnel, Commissioners, Auxiliary members, and their family and friends. The Board is made up of representatives from each of the three counties we serve. Steve Yaciuk, a volunteer firefighter with over 30 years of service and one of the co-founders, is himself a cancer survivor.

Believe 31 assists firefighters and auxiliary members who are in need in Cortland, Madison, and Onondaga Counties. We do this through emotional and financial support for those battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses as well as building awareness of cancer risk and prevention in the fire industry.

Chief Mahlon Irish Jr. served 20 years with the City of Ithaca Fire Department, retiring in 2012 with the rank of Lieutenant. He was also a Past Chief of the Homer Fire Department, where he dedicated more than 40 years of service in numerous leadership and operational roles.

Chief Irish was a pivotal figure in the development of Believe 31, helping shape the organization’s leadership and mission. His badge number, 31, became the inspiration and namesake of Believe 31.

Following his cancer diagnosis in 2014, he made it his personal mission to travel throughout New York State to educate firefighters on the risks of fire service–related cancers and the importance of prevention. Through his outreach efforts, he reached more than 2,500 firefighters statewide.

Chief Irish battled cancer for 11 years, ultimately succumbing to the disease on December 23, 2025.