(Albany, NY)­-State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) today applauded the final passage of cancer coverage legislation that will protect our state’s volunteer firefighters. The legislation (S.1411B) which Senator Bonacic co-sponsors received final passage today in the Assembly. It had previously passed the Senate.

The legislation stipulates that volunteer firefighters who contract cancer while on the job would receive a lump sum of $25,000 and 36 months of disability benefits, should the firefighter be unable to work due to their illness. Families of volunteer firefighters who die due to cancer would receive a $50,000 death benefit. 

“I’m pleased that the Assembly has given final passage to this legislation which will ensure that the brave men and women of this state’s volunteer fire service receive the health care protections that they deserve,” said Senator Bonacic. “Not only will this bill protect the volunteer firefighters of this state, but it will hopefully provide peace of mind to the families of these first responders. I urge the Governor to sign this bill immediately.”