New law to aid volunteer firefighters raises questions
He told the village board Thursday that the topic was discussed at a recent fire chiefs meeting and the lack of information about the cost of the insurance is troubling to chiefs.
The law, which Gov.
Under the
Specifically, volunteer firefighters diagnosed with lung, prostate, breast, lymphatic, hematological, digestive, urinary, neurological, reproductive systems or melanoma cancer will be automatically eligible for health benefits if they did not show any evidence of these cancers when they began their volunteer service, have at least five years interior firefighting service and are currently active or within 5 years of their last active date.
Currently, volunteer firefighters are eligible for accidental disability and death benefits through workers' compensation if they are injured in the line of duty, according to a statement from the governor's office. Effective
"The insurance companies of
"By August or September we'll have an answer," said Conigliaro.
He estimated the cost could run between
"The insurance companies are scrambling to create policies," Conigliaro said.
Published studies have linked an increased rate of cancer to firefighters because of the carcinogens from the burning of everyday products to which they are exposed when fighting interior fires.
Volunteer EMTs
Conigliaro reported there are emergency medical technicians who live outside the fire district who are interested in volunteering with the
Adams said he would discuss the proposal with the village's insurance provider to find out what the cost would be.
"If it's a small amount, I would not be opposed," he said.
The annual firefighters' memorial parade and ceremony are scheduled for
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