Health Benefits for Volunteer Firefighters Extended

ALBANY, N.Y.— The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) that will extend cardiovascular health benefits for volunteer firefighter an additional five years.

“Our volunteer firefighters provide an invaluable service to New York State and our individual communities,” said Senator Valesky. “We owe it to them to ensure they have adequate health coverage to continue to serve their communities.”

According to the law, firefighters stricken with heart problems while performing their duty are allowed to claim benefits unless substantial evidence is given that their activity as a firefighter did not cause the heart disease.

Traditionally, heart health benefits have been extended every two years for New York’s volunteer firefighters. However, the new legislation would expand coverage until 2015.

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