North Country Assemblyman Marc W. Butler, R-Newport, says both houses of the legislature passed the Volunteer Firefighters Gap Coverage Cancer Disability Act.

Butler, who is one of the bill’s sponsors, says the legislation will help those firefighters who develop cancers due to exposure to carcinogens in their volunteer duties.

“Our volunteer firefighters never cease to amaze me with their bravery and dedication to our communities. Their risk isn’t just facing the flame or even unstable buildings, but also the long-term exposure to carcinogenic materials that could make them ill,” said Butler. “Our bill gives benefits to these men and women in the case they do develop cancers related to firefighting. They do so much for us; this is just one way we can be there for them.”

The legislation would create a benefits pool for those volunteer firefighters who develop cancers related to their volunteer duties. This would be available to those who are partially and fully disabled due to cancer, and to those families who lost loved ones to such cancers.

The bill will be sent to the governor for enactment.