Last week, Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 319, establishing the Fire Fighters’ Health Benefits pilot program as a permanent initiative.
This program aims to support fire fighters diagnosed with occupational cancers.
The move comes as evidence mounts that fire fighters face a significantly higher risk of developing certain cancers compared to the general public, as reported by the IAFF.
IAFF General President Edward Kelly stated: “This is an important win for our members in North Carolina.
Occupational cancer is the leading cause of death in the fire service, and while we work to end this deadly disease’s grip on our profession, we must do everything we can to care for members diagnosed with cancer – including getting them the benefits they deserve.”
Under the new program, qualifying fire fighters in North Carolina will receive an initial benefit of up to $37,000, an increase from the previous $25,000 under the pilot program.
Additionally, a lump sum of up to $74,000 will be available for those diagnosed with multiple cancers.
The program also includes a monthly disability benefit of up to 75 percent of the fire fighter’s monthly salary, capped at $5,000.
The program, which covers all forms of cancer, is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Fire fighters who retired within 10 years of this date will also be eligible to apply.
The IAFF and the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina (PFFPNC) were instrumental in drafting this legislation and worked with lawmakers from both parties to ensure its passage.
12th District Vice President Walter Dix acknowledged the efforts of PFFPNC President Scott Mullins and his executive board, stating: “Thanks to the unwavering commitment of PFFPNC President Scott Mullins and his executive board, North Carolina now has one of the strongest presumptive health laws in the nation.
“I could not be prouder of the incredible work they did on behalf of their members to get this bill to the governor’s desk and across the finish line.”
The signing of S.B. 319 marks the culmination of over a decade of efforts by the PFFPNC to establish presumptive cancer benefits for fire fighters in North Carolina.
Mullins expressed his pride in the achievement, saying: “After years of hard work and determination by our members and state legislators, we have a fire fighter presumptive cancer bill that we’re extremely proud of.
“The Fire Fighters’ Cancer Insurance Program’s impact on the lives of fire fighters battling occupational cancer will be immeasurable.”
Cancer remains one of the most significant threats facing fire fighters in North America, with nearly three-quarters of line-of-duty deaths attributed to occupational cancer, according to IAFF data.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) indicate that fire fighters are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 14% more likely to die from occupational cancers than the general public.
The IAFF and its affiliates continue to engage with lawmakers at various levels to address the rising rates of cancer in the fire service.
This includes support for the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 1719/S. 930), which seeks to establish occupational cancer deaths as line-of-duty deaths across all 50 states.
