TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis wants to create new benefits for first responders dealing with cancer.
Patronis doubles as the State's Fire Marshal.
He wants to create an optional benefit for firefighters which would help them pay their bills while undergoing cancer treatment.
According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, firefighters have a 15 percent increased risk of developing cancer when compared to the general population.
CFO Patronis says the benefit would work as a safety net for first responders.
"The time you are away from work, and the deductibles that go along with the cancer treatment can be expensive. This is kind of like a bridge plan, where the benefit will be available to you to help with the deductible needs and your loss of income needs while you are getting your treatment," said Patronis.
Nationally, 70 percent of firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2016, passed away from cancer.
