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Sierra Vista adds presumptive cancer procedures for firefighters and police to personnel rules
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Summary
Council adopted an update to personnel rules adding a safety, training and occupational health section with a seven‑step standard operating procedure for presumptive cancer claims under Arizona statutes, including workers' compensation coordination, appeals and reimbursement measures.
Sierra Vista — The City Council unanimously approved an update to city personnel rules on March 26 that adds a formal standard operating procedure for firefighters and peace officers who receive a presumptive cancer diagnosis under Arizona law.
Human resources director Kenny Gallien presented changes to Rule 14, retitled “Safety, Training and Occupational Health,” that incorporate Arizona Statutes 23‑901.01 (peace officers) and 23‑901.09 (firefighters and fire inspectors) and align city procedures with the Industrial Commission of Arizona and the city’s workers’ compensation carrier (Travelers). The change places a seven‑step SOP into the personnel rules so staff and affected employees can follow a clear process for filing, processing and appealing presumptive cancer claims.
Gallien said the SOP begins with emergency triage and notification to the HR department to initiate workers’ compensation, then outlines Travelers’ role (claims agent, medical supervisor, nurse), the assignment of two claim numbers (workers’ compensation and ICA), and steps for finding medical providers that accept workers’ compensation. The policy also directs HR to retain medical records for 30 years and instructs employees on appeals to the Industrial Commission if a claim is denied.
The policy includes a city commitment to reimburse out‑of‑pocket medical expenses related to the claim if the workers’ compensation carrier ultimately denies the claim and the appeal exhausts available remedies. For approved claims, the city will provide additional leave to make employees whole for salary replacement not covered by workers’ compensation.
Gallien noted the policy also applies to eligible retirees diagnosed within the statutory window (age 65 or younger and within 15 years of retirement) and provides resources and referral contacts for affected employees.
Council members commended staff and employee representatives for the work. “This is the culmination of something that was brought to our attention in December,” Councilmember Mark Rodriguez said, noting the fast timeline from issue to policy adoption. Council voted in favor of the personnel rule update.
What’s next: HR will implement the SOP, notify affected employees and coordinate with the workers’ compensation carrier and the Industrial Commission as claims arise.
