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Freeport approves on‑site cancer and health screenings for firefighters funded by Foreign Fire Insurance Board
Summary
Council approved contracting with United Diagnostic Services for on‑site ultrasound and cancer screening for 45 department members; estimated cost $14,625 and Foreign Fire Insurance Board approved up to $16,000.
The Freeport City Council approved an agreement to bring United Diagnostic Services (UDS) on‑site to screen members of the Freeport Fire Department for early signs of cancer and other health conditions.
Chief Scott Miller’s March 4 memo, presented to council by Chief Stiegl on Miller’s behalf, said the department has adopted industry practices to limit exposure to carcinogens but that screening can “reduce firefighter mortality by early testing and health examination specifically related to firefighting operations.” The memo explained the department’s concern about PFAS (so‑called “forever chemicals”) in some turnout gear and the broader recognition that cancer accounts for a large share of line‑of‑duty deaths in the fire service.
Chief Stiegl told council the department sought on‑site ultrasound screening that detects several common cancers and suspected health issues in firefighters. He said the safety committee had approached the department’s Foreign Fire Insurance Board, which approved an expenditure not to exceed $16,000. The quoted cost estimate to contract with UDS was $14,625.
Alderman Sanders and others asked whether the screenings would be one‑time or recurring; Stiegl said this baseline screening would be the first and the committee hopes to establish a recurring schedule (annual or biennial) based on the results and funding availability. The council voted on a voice vote; the clerk announced, “Opposed? Motion carries 8 to nothing.”
Outcome: Council authorized the city to enter the agreement with UDS and accepted Foreign Fire Insurance Board funding for the screenings; the program will screen up to 45 fire department members and the Foreign Fire Insurance Board approved funding not to exceed $16,000.
Why it matters: Early detection programs aim to improve firefighter health outcomes and addresses occupational exposure concerns; funding will come from the department’s Foreign Fire Insurance Board rather than the city’s general fund.
