STATE OF MAINE
_____
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR
_____
JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JANUARY 2024 AS
FIREFIGHTER CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, firefighters serve their communities by putting residents' safety above their
own; and
WHEREAS, firefighters often work in a toxic environment of smoke, soot and other
carcinogens; and
WHEREAS, according to research, firefighters have a 9% greater chance of being
diagnosed with cancer and a 14% greater chance of dying from cancer than the general
population; and
WHEREAS, occupational cancer is a leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in firefighters
and has reached epidemic levels; and
WHEREAS, studies have found a direct correlation between the chemical exposures
firefighters experience on the job and an increased risk of cancer for those firefighters; and
WHEREAS, all 50 states recognize cancer as a presumptive workers' compensation claim
for firefighters; and
WHEREAS, early detection of cancer through routine screening leads to earlier treatment
and better disease outcomes, including improved survival and reduced morbidity; and
WHEREAS, the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Firefighter Cancer
Support Network have declared January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty-first Legislature now
assembled in the Second Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this
opportunity to recognize January 2024 as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, and we
encourage fire departments across the State to participate in the activities of the International
Association of Fire Fighters and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
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