Senate Passes Bill to Give Greater Health Protections to Volunteer Firefighters

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C-I, Elma) says the New York State Senate has passed a measure to help further protect the health of volunteer firefighters who become sick due to the hazards they encounter from their service to the community. The bill (S1411) expands the benefits available to volunteer firefighters when they contract certain illnesses and cancers as a result of their dangerous work.

“The men and women who serve our communities as volunteer firefighters deserve our support,” Gallivan said.  “These brave volunteers protect our homes and businesses and face numerous potential hazards in responding to fires and other emergencies.  I am proud to support legislation that expands benefits for firefighters facing health issues related to their selfless service.” 

Overexposure to smoke increases the risk of contracting cancer of the lungs, but may also cause cancer in an individual's esophagus, stomach, blood, intestines, and even the brain. A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study suggests firefighters are at higher risk of cancers of the digestive, oral, respiratory, and urinary systems when compared to the general population.

This legislation expands the existing coverage available under the Volunteer Firefighters Benefit Law to include cancer of the digestive, hematological, lymphatic, urinary, prostate, neurological, breast and reproductive systems or melanoma.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.