Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is pleased to announce that a bill has passed the Assembly which would increase the disability benefits available to volunteer firefighters to cover cancer. Fire districts, departments or companies would be required to offer cancer disability benefit insurance programs to all volunteer firefighters who are eligible.

“Firefighters are important members of our society who protect us in so many ways,” said Hawley. “Often, firefighters are the first ones to arrive on scene, and they put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe from harm, whether it be from fires, car accidents or other tragedies. They protect our lives so it is only fair that we work to protect or improve their lives. This is why I have supported this bill to help give volunteer firefighters the benefits they deserve if they should suffer from such a terrible disease as cancer. They fight for us, so we must fight for them.”