Firefighters Diagnosed With Occupation Cancer Often Left Hanging By The Very Cities They Protected

Firefighters these days are more likely to die of cancer than in the blazes themselves. But health coverage plans haven’t adapted to that reality. “My city’s workers’ comp carrier initially flat-out said, ‘We don’t cover cancer,'” said firefighter Patrick Mahoney. He appealed his case and won, twice, but then the city of Baytown, Texas, sued him to get the decision reversed.

CBS News: Firefighters Battle Occupational Cancer: Many Sickened First Responders Are Being Denied Workers’ Comp BenefitsSince 2002, almost two out of every three firefighters who died in the line of duty died of cancer, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters. … Now, as if surviving the flames and then fighting cancer weren’t enough, some firefighters are facing another, even more stunning challenge from the very cities they’re protecting. (6/16)

In previous coverage on the issue of firefighters’ health —

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