Colorado Governor Signs Cancer Presumptive Legislation

May 21, 2007 – Thanks to aggressive lobbying efforts by IAFF 9th District Vice President Randy Atkinson, the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters (CPFF) and the IAFF, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed presumptive legislation May 17, 2007, that determines certain cancers to be job related for fire fighters.

The Workers Compensation Act of Colorado now provides benefits to fire fighters who contract cancer of the brain, skin, digestive system, hematological system or genitourinary system as the result of on-the-job exposures. Claims can only be denied if proven the fire fighter had a pre-existing condition.

“This was a tough battle,” says Atkinson. “Opposition was everywhere. Because there was so much pressure from the other side, it was difficult for our friends in the state House and Senate to stay with us, but they did.”

The IAFF testified on behalf of the CPFF. “We could not have gotten as far as we did without the IAFF’s assistance and expert testimony,” adds Atkinson. Those opposed to the measure argued that other professions would demand similar protections if the fire fighters won presumption legislation.

“The difference between fire fighters and other professionals in danger of exposure is that fire fighters do not know where, when and to what they are exposed,” explains Atkinson. “Fire fighters never know what environment they are walking into.”

The bill was sponsored by Senator Joan Fitz-Gerald (D) and Representative Mike Cerbo (D).