State lawmakers passed a bill Thursday to give firefighters special insurance in case they get cancer from the job.
Currently, firefighters who get sick may lose their jobs and health insurance.
"When we run into these houses to try and put out the fire to save lives, we're being exposed to very toxic carcinogens," said Capt. Dennis Thayer, with the Georgia Firefighters Cancer Coalition.
Under the new plan, they would get a special payout of $25,000 and three-years salary to help with healthcare costs.
Lawmakers stood and applauded when the proposal passed. Firefighters talked to lawmakers about why this bill was so important.
"Fire service isn't like a lot of other jobs where you can still work if you're sick. You got to be on you're A-game to work as a firefighter," Thayer said.