N.Y. to Offer Health Benefits to Volunteer Firefighters Diagnosed with Cancer

Observer-Dispatch, Utica, N.Y.

Dec. 26—A new state law that takes effect Jan. 1, 2019, will give health care benefits to volunteer firefighters diagnosed with certain cancers.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the New York State Volunteer Firefighter Gap Coverage Cancer Disabilities Benefits Act in late October.

But while the law, which was sponsored by state Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, has been wildly hailed in the firefighting community, it will only help those diagnosed with cancer in the new year and beyond—it does nothing for those already battling the disease.

Nothing, that is, except offer some happiness in knowing that their fellow firefighters will have an extra level of aid and protection.

"It's a win for us," said Brian McQueen, a former Whitesboro fire chief who has battled cancer. "We know they won't have to suffer like us. It will help the firefighters going into battle now."

McQueen was diagnosed with B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in late 2013. By mid 2014 he no longer showed any signs of cancer. It was then that he founded the Believe 271 Foundation.

The foundation was established in 2014 to provide financial assistance to volunteer firefighters and other emergency providers in Oneida and Herkimer counties who suffer from life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer.

According to the Believe 271 website, firefighters have a higher risk of being diagnosed with various cancers than the general public. These cancers include testicular cancer, leukemia, brain cancer and multiple myeloma.

These findings were confirmed through various studies, including a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health multi-year study from 2010. The study included nearly 30,000 firefighters from the Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco fire departments. The study, which concluded in 2015, was done to get a better look at a potential link between firefighting and cancer.

The study concluded that firefighters are at an increased risk of certain types of cancer due to occupational exposure. It is thought that firefighters face a higher risk of cancer because of the chemicals emitted from household items when they burn.

Anthony "Pags" Pagliaro has been helped by Believe 271. He also believes the cancer benefits act, signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in October, provides more protection for firefighters.

Pagliaro is the ambulance chief and a 12-year veteran with the Schuyler Fire Department. He is battling Stage IV colorectal cancer.

"It's a battle," Pagliaro said. "It's tough, but you live day by day."

Knowing the risks involved—even more so than others—Pagliaro said he would still do it all over again.

"Firefighting is something I love to do," he said.

Brian Healey is the assistant chief for the Barneveld Fire Department and a 28-year veteran. Healey, who had a previous chief die from cancer, said the new act passed by the governor was "outstanding" and would bring benefits to local heroes.

"They're not signing up for cancer," Healey said. "They're signing up to help their community."