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The New York State State Senate has taken a tremendous step forward in protecting New York's volunteer firefighters by enacting Senate Bill 3891. The legislation, which Senator Mike Nozzolio drafted and sponsored in the State Senate, will provide presumptive cancer coverage to New York's over 100,000 volunteer firefighters.

Throughout his tenure, Nozzolio has been a tireless advocate on behalf of volunteer firefighters. This important legislation was introduced several years ago after Nozzolio met Matthew Foe, a constituent and volunteer firefighter from Geneva, New York. Matthew had served his community for over twenty years and had been diagnosed with brain cancer.

"Volunteer firefighters fight the same fires as paid firefighters and they take the same risks to protect our safety and I believe they should be provided with the same insurance coverage," said Nozzolio. "As the representative of a sprawling rural district, volunteer firemen protect the life and property of the majority of my district and play an integral role in our local communities," continued Nozzolio.

"I would like to thank The Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY) for their partnership and advocacy in support of this legislation," said Nozzolio. "My constituent, Matthew Foe, a volunteer fireman for over twenty years, passed away at the age of 40 after battling brain cancer. This bill will ensure that dedicated volunteers, like Matthew, who risk their personal safety and well being to protect their fellow neighbors and their local communities, will not be neglected when facing a cancer diagnosis," concluded Nozzolio.

An increased number of firefighters are being diagnosed with cancer and recent medical studies have concluded that they are at a significantly higher risk for many types of cancer than the general population. This is due to the high levels of carcinogens and other toxins found in burning buildings and the other hazardous environments that firefighters routinely work in.

After a valiant eight-year battle with brain cancer, Matthew Foe passed away in 2012. Matthew's family and friends have continued to support Nozzolio's efforts to enact this legislation into law.

The measure awaits action by the New York State Assembly.

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