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Committee advances measures to assess firefighters' health, screening and access to cancer treatment
Summary
Members of the Public Safety and Governance Committee moved to advance an item directing staff to address firefighter health and wellness, including screening for cancer and ensuring no barriers to treatment; the committee cited union and department support.
The Public Safety and Governance Committee advanced a measure to address firefighter health and wellness, with members emphasizing cancer screening and removing barriers to treatment for firefighters who develop work-related illnesses.
Chair Scotty Johnson introduced the item and said he had spoken with union leadership and the fire department about the issue, calling it a legislative priority to ensure firefighters’ health and wellness are addressed.
Vice Mayor Jan Michelle Kearney said the concern stems from conversations with Local 48 leadership and stressed partnership with the fire chief and city manager. "We know that they have 1 of the highest rates of cancer," Kearney said, citing information shared by the previous Local 48 president, Matt Alter, and noting that the current Local 48 president, Joe Elliott, is pushing the union’s agenda on screening and treatment access.
Committee member Mark Jeffries said screening and ensuring access to care are central. "...it's just making sure that, firefighters are screened for cancer. That's a big part of it. And then if they are diagnosed, to make sure there are no barriers in the way for them to receive treatment," Jeffries said, adding, "They've put their lives on the line, and if they get cancer ... we will provide for the treatment and make sure that everything is done to make sure that there's no nothing in the way of receiving the best treatment."
Kearney also reported that Fire Chief Frank McKinley and City Manager Cheryl Long expressed support for the effort when approached; she credited Local 48 leaders Matt Alter and Joe Elliott for raising the issue. The motion did not include a detailed funding plan or a specific screening protocol; committee members said those details will be worked out with the fire department, the city manager’s office and union representatives.
The item was moved forward "for passage" by unanimous consent after members expressed support; no roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript. Committee members said they intend to pursue early detection, screening and removal of barriers to treatment but did not specify timelines or departmental assignments in the committee discussion captured in the transcript.
