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Tucson council directs city to treat adenocarcinomas as presumptive firefighter cancers
Summary
After an executive-session deliberation, the City of Tucson directed the city manager and city attorney to treat all adenocarcinomas as presumptive occupational cancers for firefighters and fire investigators under state statutes, aligning with a Jan. 23, 2025 Industrial Commission guidance. Council approved the measure by voice vote.
The Tucson Mayor and Council on Sept. 9 authorized city staff to treat adenocarcinomas as presumptive occupational cancers for firefighters and fire investigators under Arizona law, a change the council tied to a January 2025 Industrial Commission substantive policy statement.
The motion, introduced after executive-session deliberations, directed the city manager and city attorney to apply ARS 23-901.01 (peace officers) and ARS 23-901.09 (firefighters and fire investigators) to adenocarcinoma claims. City Attorney staff framed the recommendation as temporary guidance “consistent with the 01/23/2025 Industrial Commission's substantive policy statement until a controlling court opinion decides this issue.” Councilmember Lee spoke in support, citing cancer as the leading cause of death among firefighters and urging action "to take care of all of you who are taking care of our community." The motion passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: The change affects how workers' compensation claims by current and future Tucson firefighters with adenocarcinoma diagnoses will be handled, reducing administrative uncertainty for claimants and the department. Council and union advocates said it provides peace of mind for first responders; the city attorney and risk managers will implement the directive while tracking any judicial developments that could alter statutory interpretation.
Next steps: Staff will implement the directive for pending and future claims consistent with the council's direction. The city noted the approach is provisional pending any controlling court decision that would change how the statutes are applied.
Votes and formal action: The council approved the motion directing city staff to treat adenocarcinomas as presumptive cancers (voice vote; motion carried).
