Forest firefighters and part-time firefighters who contract certain cancer would qualify for benefits under a special fund created by the state in recognition of invisible hazards of the job, under legislation that passed the House overwhelmingly today.
Rep. Sue ALLOR's (R-Wolverine) HB 4171 and Rep. Jeff YAROCH's HB 4172 also expands the universe of eligible Michigan firefighters to retirees or fire/crash rescue officers who put in a certain amount of time in fire suppression or rescue.
It also covers certain female cancers that can develop such as breast, ovarian and non-HPV cervical cancer
A former firefighter of 27 years, Yaroch said his wife worried about him getting caught in a burning building or falling through a floor. He didn't worry about cancer until he was diagnosed with it after he left the force.
"A lot of people suffer from cancer, but the fact is firefighters have a 9% higher probability of getting cancer and a 14% greater chance of dying from cancer than the general population," Yaroch said.
The bills expand the pool of those who would qualify for First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund benefits from roughly 7,600 to 29,150 total active firefighters. The fund is covered from the first $2 million of money from internet sports betting and $2 million from internet betting.
Last year, the fund spent $643,433 to cover eight claims. The bills were supported by the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs, the Michigan State Fireman's Association, the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union and several fire departments.
The bills passed 106-3 with Reps. Steve JOHNSON (R-Wayland Twp.), John REILLY (R-Oxford) and Steve CARRA (R-Three Rivers) casting the no votes.
Carra said he fully supports firefighters being justly compensated for the work they do and the risks associated with the job. However, he believes this level of benefit should be offered at the local level and not something managed at the state level.