HR0545 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0545 LRB103 36570 LAW 66678 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Fire fighters serve communities across Illinois by putting our safety above their own; and

WHEREAS, Fire fighters often work in a toxic environment filled with smoke, soot, and other carcinogens; and

WHEREAS, According to research, fire fighters 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, Fire fighter occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in professional fire fighters and has reached epidemic levels; and

WHEREAS, Studies have found a direct correlation between the chemical exposures fire fighters experience on the job and their increased risk for cancer; and

WHEREAS, All 50 states in the United States recognize cancer as a presumptive workers' compensation claim for fire fighters; 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 (IAFF) and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) have declared January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the month of January 2024 as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) with our sincere appreciation for their efforts.