NY Volunteer Firefighters Battling For Increased Cancer Coverage

CENTRAL SQUARE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) – Volunteer firefighters across New York state continue to battle for more thorough cancer coverage.

Dozens gathered in Central Square Saturday to discuss a state bill that supports the move, that’s been stuck in committee reviews.

The bill was first introduced six years ago and has failed to make it through the state assembly several times.

According to the Firemen’s Association of New York (FASNY), firefighters are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer. They want a law on the books for support.

“The paid firefighters are actually covered for expanded cancer, but a volunteer firefighter is only covered for respiratory or lung cancer so we’re looking to expand that cancer bill to include other cancers,” said Robin Schott, Legislative Committee Chairman for FASNY.

FASNY estimates volunteer firefighters save the state around three billion dollars a year by donating their services, that might otherwise require paid full time positions.