LUPINACCI PUSHES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,I-South Huntington) once again stood up for the brave volunteer firefighters in New York State as he and his fellow colleagues passed Assembly Bill 6242 to provide greater protection for volunteer firefighters who develop lung disease.

“The courageous men and women in our volunteer fire departments, who risk their lives for our communities, deserve our support in the present and in the future,” said Lupinacci. “I’m glad we received bipartisan support in the Assembly to pass this bill so volunteer firefighters do not have to wait another day to receive the medical attention they may need.”

Firefighters are exposed to multiple synthetic chemicals from plastics and other substances while fighting fires, and have a higher risk of contracting lung diseases than the average adult. Assembly Bill 6242 will help guarantee that volunteer firefighters receive the proper medical treatment and services they need when they sustain injuries while fighting fires.

“Roughly 90 percent of the fire departments in the United States are voluntary, and we are lucky to have several located on Long Island. It’s important that our legislators understand the health risks that volunteer firefighters endure while protecting our communities. This bill already passed the Senate earlier this year, so I look forward to the governor signing it into law as soon as possible,” said Lupinacci.

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