VIDEO: New legislation was signed into law by Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont Friday to expand the state’s Firefighters Cancer Relief Program. Firefighters may spend several years on the front line to save and protect others, but after their service many face battles with cancer. This bill expansion the governor signed hopes to better address those issues.
As part of the changes, skin cancer is now among the types of cancer that the program covers. Also, language has been modified to make it clear that all firefighters in the state have access to the program, regardless of whether they work for a state or local municipal fire department.
The legislation – Senate Bill 1426 – is titled “An Act Making Changes to the Firefighters Cancer Relief Program.” Lamont said the program was established with the knowledge that firefighters have high-risk jobs and are exposed to toxins that can be extremely detrimental to their long-term health and put them at risk for cancer.
“Expanding [the program’s] coverage and making it clear that all firefighters in Connecticut are eligible is the right thing to do,” Lamont said. “I appreciate lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for crafting this legislation, voting in favor of it and sending it to my desk. I am glad to sign it into law.”
