Nov. 01--SUMMITVILLE, NY-- The wind was brisk enough to snap the flags in front of the Summitville firehouse Tuesday afternoon but far short of carrying away the words of praise for Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther.
"Thank you Aileen," the poster on the front of the podium said. A dozen firefighters in full uniform flanked both sides and listened as their leaders referenced Gunther.
The reason: Gunther was instrumental in pushing, prodding and promoting legislation to improve cancer insurance coverage for their "brothers and sisters." The legislation, fine-tuned over seven years, gives those volunteer firefighters with certain cancers additional benefits. They have to meet certain requirements, such as being an interior firefighter -- those who go inside structures to battle the flames -- for five years.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law Oct. 22. It goes into effect Jan. 1, 2019.
The legislation provides, among other things, a lump sum of either $6,250 or $25,000, depending on the severity of the cancer, and a monthly stipend of up to $1,500 a month for 36 months of total disability. Current law provides $600 a month.
"Because of Aileen, the next generation of firefighters will not have to face cancer," said David Quinn, chief administrative officer for the Firemen's Association of the State of New York.
Quinn said the law will affect many of the more than 100,000 volunteer firefighters in the state. The mid-Hudson has several thousand spread over nearly 150 volunteer fire departments.
Frank Doolittle is a former chief of the Summitville department. He is battling colorectal cancer, which he believes he developed from exposure to the toxic chemicals while fighting fires for decades.
"This bill, to me, is for the future," he said in praising Gunther. "It may not help myself with my cancer, but if it can help my brothers and sisters, it was worth the fight."
Gunther returned the praise. "It would have never happened without all of you and your help," she said to the firefighters. "And if there is other legislation that is necessary to make sure that you work in a safe environment, that you have the coverage that you need, I will certainly be there for you."
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