More Michigan firefighters with cancer eligible for benefits
— A new state law will allow for more state firefighters with cancer eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Legislation signed by Gov. Whitmer last week will extend eligibility to forest fire officers and fire/crash officers at military airfields.
Many in active service already quality for medical benefits and wage loss if they are diagnosed with certain types of cancers that are presumed to have been caused by hazards they faced on the job.
Jeff Roberts, president of the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs, said many people may not realize the health effects that can occur years later due to exposure to contaminants and carcinogens while fighting fires and rescuing people.