State leaders convened at the Waterbury Fire Department on Wednesday to commemorate Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and emphasize a recent legislative milestone designed to streamline medical support for firefighters battling cancer.
Joseph Bogdanski, a fire driver with Rescue 9 at the Waterbury Fire Department, discovered he had thyroid cancer last June following a cancer screening at the department. While thyroid cancer is generally considered treatable and slow-moving, Bogdanski’s case proved aggressive.
Cancer stands as the leading cause of firefighter fatalities, responsible for nearly 75% of all firefighter deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Studies indicate that firefighters face a higher risk of both cancer diagnosis and mortality (14% higher) compared to the general population.
Connecticut firefighters diagnosed with cancer, including Bogdanski, previously lacked fundamental workplace protections. However, the newly enacted presumptive cancer legislation not only grants wage replacement to affected firefighters but also extends eligibility for medical reimbursement, disability retirement, and line-of-duty death benefits.
Pete Brown, leader of the Uniform Professional Firefighter Association of CT, stressed the significance of these provisions, noting the uncertainties firefighters faced in the past regarding job security, income, and family protection in the event of illness.
Lori Pepler, widow of Torrington firefighter Chris, who succumbed to occupational cancer in 2017, shared her ordeal. Pepler filed a lawsuit against the city of Torrington, alleging a failure to honor pension commitments. After years of legal battles, she eventually reached a settlement. Pepler expressed hope that the new law would spare future families from such protracted and challenging legal struggles.
Beyond legislative measures, fire departments across the state are implementing strategies to reduce toxin exposure risks on the job. These include practices such as refraining from wearing contaminated gear on errands, storing it separately after exposure, thorough cleaning post-fire, and changing protective hoods regularly. The collective goal is to enhance safety and mitigate health risks associated with the inherent dangers of firefighting.