The Tucson City Council voted to approve workers’ compensation coverage for two Local 479 members diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, now recognized as a presumptive cancer under Arizona law.
The vote followed a lengthy effort by Local 479, supported by the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona (PFFA), and 10th District Vice President Stephen Gilman.
“I’m glad that the City of Tucson finally chose to do the right thing by following the law. The PFFA has worked very hard to get legislation in place to protect our members, and it’s shameful that we have to keep reminding politicians – over and over again – what the law is. Our members need to focus on fighting the cancer they got while protecting the public, not on fighting City Hall,” said Gilman.
Previously, adenocarcinoma wasn’t clearly listed in the state’s presumptive law, leading to denied claims. The cases were reopened after a January 2025 clarification from the Arizona Industrial Commission confirmed thyroid adenocarcinoma is covered.
Anthony D’Onofrio, Local 479’s Director of Wages and Benefits, explained that the law was always meant to include cancers like adenocarcinoma but was flawed in its wording. “When they were written, it was with the intent to have those types of cancers covered, but they left out a couple important details by accident,” he said.
The bottom line is, when we fight, we win. Our fire fighters fulfilled their duty, repeatedly risking their lives on behalf of Tucson residents. It is only fair – and state law in Arizona – that the city fulfilled its duty and approved the legitimate claims of our fire fighters in need.
PFFA President Dan Freiberg
The journey to secure this recognition spanned roughly 18 months and involved legal filings, appeals, collaboration with city officials, and backing from union leadership at the Local, state, and national level. D’Onofrio highlighted the value of legal guidance and productive relationships with city leaders throughout the process.
“Thanks to all, including the members of our Local, state association, DVP Gilman, Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona’s State Cancer Coordinator Orion Godfrey, and our fire chief, Sharon McDonough,” said D’Onofrio. “The support she gave us was tremendous, and her willingness to advocate for our members to hear supervisors at the city was crucial.”
Local 479 President Clayton Black told local reporters the City Council’s decision sets an important precedent for the future. “Hopefully this will prevent this from happening in the future. Now that this sets precedents that these cancers are presumptive, and they are covered, it should protect all our members in the future,” he said.
The union is now focused on ensuring that this coverage is permanently written into future labor agreements, so protections remain intact no matter who is in office.
“The bottom line is, when we fight, we win,” said PFFA President Dan Freiberg. “Our fire fighters fulfilled their duty, repeatedly risking their lives on behalf of Tucson residents. It is only fair – and state law in Arizona – that the city fulfilled its duty and approved the legitimate claims of our fire fighters in need.”
Looking forward, D’Onofrio encouraged other union Locals to be proactive in their advocacy efforts by building strong relationships and using the resources available through the IAFF.
“Get to know your local workers’ compensation attorneys. They can answer legal questions that will help your members make informed decisions. The last thing you want to happen is for a claim to be denied due to a technicality that could have been avoided,” he said.
