NEW YORK STATE SENATE PASSES THE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS’ BENEFIT LAW

Media Contacts:                                                                                                                                           

Christine Geed, Communications Specialist

geed@nysenate.gov or (631) 398-8044

Jennifer Romero, Press Secretary

jromero@nysenate.gov or (631) 513-5657

PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

For Immediate Release

Albany, NY – Senator Thomas Croci (R-C-I, Sayville) announces the New York State Senate has passed the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law.

The bill (S3891) is sponsored by Senator Michael Nozzolio of Seneca Falls and proposes to amend the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law to expand the existing medical coverage to include cancer of the digestive, hematological, lymphatic, urinary, prostate, neurological, breast and reproductive systems that result in the partial disability or death to a volunteer firefighter. The bill recognizes that overexposure to smoke and toxic fumes increase the risk of firefighters’ contracting these types of cancers.

Senator Croci said, “Our volunteer firefighters have taken on the admirable responsibility of risking their own health and safety in order to keep us safe in our homes and in our communities. Their profession puts them in contact with toxic fumes, among other dangers, and therefore, their medical coverage should logically include those potential medical hazards that could affect their health.”

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.

All media inquiries should be directed to Senator Croci’s Communications Specialist, Christine Geed at (631) 398-8044 (call or text) or via email at geed@nysenate.gov. Inquiries for additional information should be directed to Senator Croci’s Press Secretary, Jennifer Romero at (631) 513-5657 or via email at jromero@nysenate.gov

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