Charlotte's own firefighter William Holland has taken his calling beyond the urgent wail of engines and into the fight against cancer, specifically by participating in the Tap Cancer Out Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Open. The event is a fundraising tournament hosted by the international nonprofit Tap Cancer Out, which engages competitors across the martial arts community to support cancer research and awareness efforts.
In an article recently published, Holland shared his journey from almost-enlisted police officer to a fireman with 17 years of experience. “I was trying to go the police route,” he recounted, his career taking an unexpected turn after an invitation to ride along with a firefighting team. The gratitude he received from performing even the simple act of translation for two Spanish-speaking women at the scene of his first call won him over and it was never looking back for Holland, as per the City of Charlotte's release..
Firefighting, notoriously dangerous in itself, also carries an insidious risk of cancer for those battling the blazes. Studies from the International Association of Fire Fighters and the CDC highlight a sobering trend: firefighters face a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from the disease, compared to the general populace. Holland views his entrance into the BJJ arena not merely as a sport but as an embodiment of his service ethos and a platform to raise awareness about occupational cancer risks.
His martial arts journey began far from Charlotte's Engine 16, A-shift—during a military deployment in Iraq with the U.S. Army's 424th Quartermaster Company. It was there, Holland took his first steps in Shotokan karate, driven by curiosity and admiration for Bruce Lee, according to a Charlotte city article. Upon returning, BJJ became his discipline of choice, affirming he will continue to train and compete "as long as I can."
Holland's mantra reflects the timeless commitment of a public servant—one that garnered praise from Charlotte's Fire Chief, Reginald Johnson. "Firefighter Holland represents the best of Charlotte Fire," Johnson told the publication. The connection to cancer is personal for Holland, as he's watched numerous family members navigate the illness and lost colleagues like Captain Walker to it, more compelling him to be involved in fundraising initiatives such as Tap Cancer Out.
The BJJ Open, more than just a contest, is a gathering of fighters in more ways than one. For Holland, each training session, each match is an extension of the larger mission that drew him into public service: to offer aid and hope wherever he can. "If we can make it a little better—even just a degree or two—that matters," Holland asserted.
Holland's battle against cancer, on the mat and through advocacy, remains unflagging. With each fight, he weaves the fabric of community tighter and reminds us of the personal nature of the disease and the collective strength in facing it head on. The funds and awareness raised by each BJJ competitor, embodied by individuals like Holland, affirm that every action, big or small, contributes to saving lives and supporting those impacted by cancer.
