NC firefighters applaud new ruling that allows retirees to get cancer coverage

Firefighters across the state are applauding a breakthrough ruling that recognizes the higher risk of cancer in the fire service.

WRAL Investigates has covered the fight for benefits for years. Recently, lawmakers added to a list of cancers which allow firefighters to qualify for extra medical and death benefits.

The North Carolina Industrial Commission rules on cases of deadly firefighter cancer and whether it is directly linked to the job. For the first time, the commission determined that a retired firefighter who was diagnosed after he left the service can blame that cancer on his career.

Jim Knoupf, who retired as an engineer with the Asheville Fire Department 20 years ago, died of esophageal cancer in April. Despite the diagnosis coming years after his retirement, the Industrial Commission acknowledged his exposure on the job likely led to his cancer, so his family is entitled to $100,000 in death benefits.

Leaders say this ruling honors those who fight fires by backing the research that constant exposure to smoke and chemicals leads to higher cancer risk.

"It is on every firefighter’s mind unfortunately, because we’ve seen so many of our brothers and sisters get cancer," says Scott Mullins, president of North Carolina Professional Firefighters and Paramedics.

"Some win their battle and, unfortunately, some lose, and we always remember them, and this is just a huge victory for firefighters all across North Carolina," Mullins added.

The ruling is seen as important because the recent changes by state lawmakers only impact firefighters who are diagnosed on the job and are actively battling cancer.