“I was proud to stand with my colleagues as a sponsor of the New York State Volunteer Firefighter Enhanced Cancer Disability Benefits Act A.711-B. Today we affirmed our commitment to them by passing this critical legislation. Volunteer firefighters give so much of themselves and put their lives on the line to keep the public safe, and they deserve to have protection in return for these sacrifices. The legislation expands disability benefits for a multitude of cancers by those afflicted firefighters.

“Studies conducted in the last several years have linked firefighters to a greater number of cancer diagnoses and cancer-related deaths due to increased exposure to carcinogens. Far too many volunteer firefighters are currently forced to pay large out-of-pocket expenses for cancer treatment. This measure takes steps to provide them with expanded disability benefits beyond their current limits.

“Volunteer firefighters risk their safety for ours and that is why I am proud to have co-sponsored this legislation. For all they do for us, it’s only right that we take a stand for those heroes and their families when they need it most.”