The New York State Senate has once again passed a bill to expand benefit coverage for volunteer firefighters in the North Country and around the state who are diagnosed with various forms of cancer linked to their duties.

State Sen. Joe Griffo, R-Rome, is urging the Assembly to approve the bill and pass it on to the governor.

Griffo’s district includes a swath running through the middle of St. Lawrence County, from Massena to Fine, including Potsdam.

This legislation (S3891) – co-sponsored by Griffo – would expand existing coverage under the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law to include cancer of the digestive, hematological, lymphatic, urinary, prostate, neurological, breast and reproductive systems. After a volunteer firefighter has entered the fire service upon successfully passing a physical examination that did not reveal any evidence of cancer, it will be presumed that any cancerous conditions that develop later are the result of that firefighter performing their duties, according to the bill.

The exposure to smoke and fumes that volunteer firefighters experience when they battle fire makes it more likely that they will develop lung cancer and cancer in other parts of their bodies, like their esophagus, stomach, blood, intestines and brain cancers, according to a press release from Griffo’s office.

This is the second time the Senate has approved this proposed legislation, as well as being included in the Senate Budget Resolution.

“Our volunteer firefighters desperately want to see these benefits expanded so they know they will not be left to suffer on their own as a result of their sacrifice to protect the lives and property of our communities. The state Senate has made clear that we stand with these brave men and women at a time when they need us most, and I hope that the Assembly and Governor will finally join us in expanding benefit coverage to protect our volunteer firefighters against duty-related cancer,” Griffo said.