Volunteer Firefighters Laud Bill for Cancer Care Coverage

Organizations representing volunteer firefighters joined with Assemblyman Anthony J. Brindisi in Albany last week in support of legislation that would grant health care coverage for various cancers often associated with fighting fires.

Among the organizations were the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York. The state has about 100,000 volunteer firefighters, who currently are not covered for treatment of most forms of cancer, said Brindisi, D-119, Utica.

Brindisi said legislation he is sponsoring would grant volunteer firefighters presumptive coverage if they are diagnosed with digestive, hematological, lymphatic, urinary, prostate, neurological, breast, and reproductive system cancers.

Firefighters are often exposed to smoke, toxins, and other cancer-causing agents in the line of duty, which accounts for much higher diagnosis rates than for the general population, Brindisi added.

FASNY President Robert McConville said “no volunteer firefighter should have to face cancer alone. wThis legislation would tremendously ease the burden brave volunteers who are battling cancer often face.”

Brindisi urged anyone who supports the bill to participate in a petition on his website.