Mass. senate approves firefighters cancer bill

BOSTON — The Massachusetts senate signed off on a bill Thursday that would help firefighters get better treatment if they’ve been diagnosed with cancer after years on the job.

The moves stems from Boston 25 News' Boston's Bravest special, which shed light on the alarming rate of cancer among firefighters.

More than 190 Boston firefighters have died from occupational cancer since 1990 and it’s a number that keeps rising.

While the City of Boston has taken action to protect firefighters, the senate has now voted to give firefighters “injured on duty status” when diagnosed with cancer.

State fire union president Rich MacKinnon called it a big victory felt across the state.

“We're very excited. It's a great win for us and more importantly the firefighters with cancer and their families,” said MacKinnon.

This bill will include cancer as a line of duty injury -- just like a broken leg. The legislation will also lead to better treatment for those with cancer.

Before the senate voted, every state senator was given a copy of Boston's Bravest so they could truly understand just how serious the risk is and see the alarming rate of cancer that's hitting local firefighters.

Departments beyond Boston say it's an issue that must be addressed immediately.

“This has been one of our top priorities at the state and at the local levels,” MacKinnon said.

The senate made a slight change to the name of the bill. It will go back to the house for final approval and then head to the governor's desk to be signed into law.

The governor's office told Boston 25 they are watching it closely.

WATCH THE SPECIAL: Boston's Bravest

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