Lawmakers Push For Governor To Sign Volunteer Firefighters Bill

Three local state lawmakers are urging Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign a bill that would improve coverage for volunteer firefighters who contract cancer.

Assemblymen Anthony Brindisi and William Magee and Senator David Valesky were joined by local volunteer firefighters and members of the Firemen's Association of the State of New York at the Chittenango Fire Department today.

The bill would expand medical coverage for volunteer firefighters who are diagnosed with various forms of cancer linked to their jobs.

Brindisi said: “Firefighting clearly leads to an increased likelihood of cancer, and it is imperative that we protect all our volunteer firefighters in the event they receive this diagnosis.  No one who volunteers, day in and day out to serve and protect their community should be denied coverage for a condition that is the clear result of their occupation.  During my efforts over the past several years, I commonly heard compelling stories from supporters of the bill of firefighters who survived cancer—but without the coverage for it they deserve.  Signing this bill would right that wrong.”