Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that legislation he co-sponsored to expand cancer disability benefits for volunteer firefighters was signed into law, affirming the state’s commitment to those who selflessly serve our communities (Ch. 334 of 2017).

“Volunteer firefighters bravely put their lives on the line every day,” Jones said. “Far too often though, fighting a fire can have devastating long-term effects on the body, due to the presence of asbestos and carcinogens. It’s only right that we stand up for these heroes and their families by ensuring they have the disability coverage they need.”

The New York State Volunteer Firefighter Enhanced Cancer Disability Benefits Act expands benefits beyond the current $600 per month limit for cancers affecting the breast, digestive, hematological, lymphatic, neurological, prostate, reproductive and urinary systems.

Studies have shown that firefighters are at a greater risk of cancer diagnoses and cancer-related deaths due to increased exposure to carcinogens.1 As a result, many volunteer firefighters were forced to incur large out-of-pocket expenses when seeking treatment for cancer. These benefits help provide peace of mind for volunteer firefighters and their families, noted Jones.

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