State Sen. Joe Griffo, R-Rome, was hailed by firefighters and fellow legislators after leading the effort to get the New York State Volunteer Firefighter Gap Coverage Cancer Disabilities Benefits Act passed and signed by the governor.

The law extends existing law to cover all instances of melanoma, as well as cancer of the lung, prostate, breast, lymphatic, hematological, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The bill also had several co-sponsors in the Senate and Assembly.

Unlike full-time career firefighters, volunteer firefighters across the state do not currently receive benefit coverage if they are diagnosed with cancer, despite the fact that much of the toxic fire and smoke they are exposed to on a regular basis are known to cause many of the cancers with which these volunteers are later diagnosed.

Effective Jan. 1, 2019, volunteer firefighters who contract certain cancers will receive access to tax-free disability and death benefits. Volunteer firefighters will be automatically eligible for the health benefits if:

• upon entry as a volunteer firefighter, a physical exam did not show any evidence of the cancers covered by this bill

• individuals have at least five years of service fighting fire in the interior of buildings

• and the firefighter is currently active or within 5 years of his or her last active date.

Sen. Griffo said, “Our volunteer firefighters work hard to make sure the communities they serve are safe and protected. We owe it to them to make sure they are protected as well, especially when it comes to being diagnosed with cancer as a result of the toxins, carcinogens and other chemicals they come into contact with while fighting fires. We have fought hard for the passage of this bill and there are many deserving praise for their efforts in helping to see this law passed, including the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York; the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs; former Whitesboro Fire Chief Brian McQueen; and the many volunteer firefighters and departments across the state. We now can make sure that our courageous volunteer firefighters get the protection they deserve.”

Griffo represents the 47th Senate District. It includes a swath running through the middle of St. Lawrence County, from Massena to Fine, including Potsdam.

Co-sponsor Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, R-Black River, said, “I commend the governor for signing legislation that expanded the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law. This legislation was a crucial step forward in protecting the brave men and women who volunteer their time and safety to protect their communities. With the signing of this legislation, the governor has now eased the hearts and minds of thousands of volunteers across the state who now know the dangerous and life-threatening services they provide to the state just became a bit safer for themselves and their families. I am proud to be part of a legislature that recognizes the significance of our volunteer fire-fighters, and is committed to help them in sickness as well as health.”

Blankenbush represents the 117th District, including the towns of DeKalb, Gouverneur, Hermon, Russell, Edwards, Fowler and Pitcairn in St. Lawrence County plus Lewis County and parts of Jefferson and Oneida counties.

Co-sponsor Assemblyman Marc Butler, R-Newport, said, “It’s an honor to support legislation to help our many amazing volunteer firefighters to provide cancer disability benefits. These men and women bravely go into dangerous situations, exposing themselves to carcinogenic materials on the behalf of saving New Yorkers in our communities. This is one way we can be there for them as they have been there for us countless times.”

Butler’s 118th Assembly District includes St. Lawrence County towns from Norfolk and Madrid south to Colton, Clifton and Fine.