Firefighters association President Kenneth Pienkowski called on Cuomo to sign Gunther’s bill immediately.
MONTICELLO – Volunteer firefighters from Sullivan and Orange counties Monday called on Governor Cuomo to sign legislation that would increase healthcare benefits for volunteer firefighters who contract cancer.
The measure, which has passed in both houses of the legislature, was sponsored in the Assembly by Aileen Gunther (D, Forestburg), who is a registered nurse.
“The CDC reports that firefighters are at the greatest risk of developing cancer than the general population,” Gunther said. “Chemicals and products that we have around our homes are making today’s fires more dangerous than ever before.”
Kenneth Pienkowski, president of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, had a direct message for the governor.
“Governor Cuomo – over 100,000 volunteer firefighters across the State of New York that provide a service for the residents of their districts, did not volunteer to get cancer,” Pienkowski pleaded. “Please call for and sign this legislation immediately.”
Sullivan County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild and Orange County Fire Coordinator Vini Tankasali both supported the plan at a news conference in the Sullivan County Government Center.
One firefighter, Frank Doolittle, said he has contracted cancer, which is not in his family, and he urged quick signing of the bill.
The current health benefits for volunteers are $600 per month in disability benefits if cancer is contracted.
Under the pending legislation, volunteer firefighters who contract cancer would receive a lump sum of $6,250 for less severe cases and $25,000 for more severe cases, $1,500 per month for up to 36 months and a $50,000 accidental death benefit for families.
