Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has announced his support for legislation that would shift the burden of proof on whether a firefighter's cancer is job-related off the firefighter.
In a statement, Governor Greitens said that the status quo resulted in "too many firefighters being denied the compensation they deserve."
"Firefighters fight fires. And if, God forbid, they have to fight cancer, they shouldn't have to fight bureaucrats to get the care they deserve," said Governor Greitens. "They should know that the people of Missouri are on their side."
"Fighting fires is much more dangerous than most people realize and the IAFF applauds Governor Greitens for recognizing the hazardous nature of the work our members do every day saving families, businesses, and the communities they serve," said Harold Schaitberger, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters. "Missouri lawmakers have a historic opportunity to protect firefighters from deadly hidden dangers, just as firefighters protect the public every day."