Senator Nozzolio Applauds Fasny for Efforts to Enact Volunteer Firefighter Cancer Coverage

Senator Michael Nozzolio today applauded the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) for their efforts to promote and support legislation he drafted and sponsored in the State Senate to provide presumptive cancer coverage to New York’s 92,000 volunteer firefighters.

Throughout his tenure, Senator Nozzolio has been a tireless advocate on behalf of  volunteer firefighters. This important legislation, S.3891, was introduced several years ago after Senator Nozzolio met Matthew Foe, a constituent and volunteer firefighter from Geneva, New York.  Matthew had served his community for over twenty years and had been diagnosed with brain cancer.

“Volunteer firefighters fight the same fires as paid firefighters and they take the same risks to protect our safety and I believe they should be provided with the same insurance coverage. As the representative of a sprawling rural district, volunteer fireman protect the life and property of the majority of my district and play an integral role in our local communities.  This legislation will provide greatly needed presumptive cancer coverage to the 92,000 volunteer firefighters in New York State who are at a significantly higher risk for cancers due to their exposure to carcinogens and other deadly toxins," said Senator Nozzolio. "My constituent, Matthew Foe, a volunteer fireman for over 20 years, passed away at the age of 40 after battling brain cancer.  This bill will ensure that dedicated volunteers, like Matthew, who risk their personal safety and well being to protect their fellow neighbors and their local communities, will not be neglected when facing a cancer diagnosis.”

An increased number of firefighters are being diagnosed with cancer and recent medical studies have concluded that they are at a significantly higher risk for many types of cancer than the general population. This is due to the high levels of carcinogens and other toxins found in burning buildings and the other hazardous environments that firefighters routinely work in.

FASNY’s new, statewide campaign entitled “Firefighters Fighting Cancer” highlights the stories of six cancer survivors from across New York State. All six were seemingly healthy when they received their respective cancer diagnoses. Based on the types of cancer they were diagnosed with, it is believed that their illnesses may likely be a by-product of their work as volunteer firefighters.

Senator Nozzolio’s legislation was enacted unanimously in the State Senate earlier this year and but has been stalled in the State Assembly.  After a valiant eight year battle with brain cancer, Matthew Foe passed away in 2012.  Matthew’s family and friends continue to support Senator Nozzolio’s efforts to enact this legislation into law.