Celebrating Signing Of Volunteer Firefighters Cancer Bill

Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi were joined by volunteer firefighters at the Maynard Fire Department on Thursday.

They're celebrating Governor Andrew Cuomo's signing of the Volunteer Firefighter Gap Coverage Cancer Disabilities Benefits Act.

The law extends the existing Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit law to cover all instances of melonoma, as well as cancer of the lung, prostate, breast, lymphatic, hematological, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.

Effective January 1st, 2019, volunteer firefighters who contract certain types of cancer will receive access to tax-free disability and death benefits.

Brindisi says the legislation is very significant for all volunteer firefighters, their families and their fire departments.

Griffo says volunteer firefighters word hard to make sure the communities they serve are safe and protected and we owe it to them to make sure they're protected as well.

The bill also had several co-sponsors in the Senate and Assembly.