State budget includes help for firefighters with cancer

The budget proposal, expected to be signed this week by Gov. Roy Cooper, includes a $15 million pilot program that provides benefits to firefighters diagnosed with any type of cancer.

Posted 9:47 p.m. Nov 17, 2021 — Updated 10:47 p.m. Nov 17, 2021

Cullen Browder

, WRAL anchor/reporter

The soon-to-be-signed North Carolina state budget includes millions in financial support for firefighters with cancer.

For years, WRAL Investigates has reported on the rising rate of cancer among firefighters that studies link to the various hazards and exposures of the profession. Over time, some firefighters who spoke to WRAL Investigates have died from the cancer they believe was tied to the job.

The budget proposal, expected to be signed this week by Gov. Roy Cooper, includes a $15 million pilot program that provides benefits to firefighters diagnosed with any type of cancer.

Families will receive a $25,000 lump sum to help pay bills. Another $12,000 will be available to help cover out-of-pocket medical expenses. Those firefighters who become too sick to work can receive 75 percent of their pay for disability.

"It's a huge deal," said Scott Mullins, president of the Raleigh Professional Firefighters Association. "Firefighters don't have to choose whether to fight the terrible disease or pay the mortgage. No there's financial security for a firefighter if they do end up getting cancer."

There are already death benefits available for certain cancers if believed to be caused by firefighting.

The new budget provision creates immediate benefits for any firefighter diagnosed with any type of cancer.

There is one drawback: The budget would go into effect Jan. 1, 2022, and benefits would not be retroactive. It won't cover firefighters already diagnosed with cancer.

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