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California Senate unanimously adopts resolution declaring January Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month
Summary
The California State Senate on Jan. 30 adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 recognizing the elevated cancer risk faced by firefighters and reaffirming support for research and screening programs.
On Jan. 30, the California State Senate unanimously adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, which proclaims January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and affirms support for research and screening to address elevated cancer risk among firefighters.
The resolution’s sponsor, Senator Scott Grayson, said firefighters face routine exposure to known and suspected carcinogens and noted that cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters nationwide. Grayson described a 2023 bill he authored that established the California Firefighter Prevention and Research Program, which he said is conducting health screenings for firefighters who responded to recent fires in Los Angeles County. "Currently, this program is actually being conducted as health screenings for California, California firefighters who were among the first responders to the January '7 fires in LA County, specifically addressing their unique health impacts," Grayson said.
The resolution passed on a roll call vote of 36 ayes, 0 noes. Several senators spoke in support on the floor. Senator Allen said wildfire smoke and post-fire air contain elevated lead and other toxins and urged protections for those who fight such blazes. Senator Rubio recalled long-term illness among 9/11 responders and urged continued policy support for firefighters and their families. Senator Perez described firefighters’ sustained volunteer work during recent mega-fires in Southern California and urged reciprocal support for their long-term health.
Other speakers highlighted related policy steps. Senator Laird recalled a workers’ compensation presumption extension and described a recent toxic battery-storage fire that was too dangerous for firefighters to enter, underscoring the risks the profession faces. Senator Grayson thanked colleagues and repeated concerns about contaminants adhering to turnout gear and station handling that can prolong exposure after a call.
The resolution does not create new benefits but serves to raise awareness and express the Senate’s support for research and existing programs addressing firefighter health. The Senate recorded the roll call for the file item: the clerk called members' names and the tally was announced as "Ayes 36. No 0. The resolution is adopted." The transcript shows the item was presented, debated by multiple senators, and adopted without amendment.
The resolution and floor discussion referenced the California Firefighter Prevention and Research Program established in 2023 (referred to on the floor as the program established by a 2023 bill), and organizations representing firefighters were named in debate. The resolution’s adoption was followed by subsequent items on the daily file.
