Firefighters gain early cancer screening program after tragic loss

In a recent government meeting, Lieutenant Chris Wyman of the Merrimack Fire Department presented Senate Bill 352, which establishes a pilot program for early cancer detection among active and retired firefighters. The bill, which has garnered significant support, allocates up to $5 million from the general fund until fiscal year 2027 for optional testing, including blood tests, ultrasounds, and lung CT scans.

The urgency of this legislation is underscored by alarming statistics: cancer accounted for 66% of career firefighter line-of-duty deaths from 2002 to 2019, with a notable 70% in 2016 alone. Firefighters face a 9% higher risk of cancer diagnosis and a 14% higher risk of cancer-related death compared to the general population, according to data from firefightercancersupport.org.

The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and with amendments in the House, receiving strong backing from local representatives. It was signed into law by the governor on July 2, 2024. Lieutenant Wyman, who has served in the fire department for nearly three decades, shared a personal connection to the bill, revealing that his late wife, Lieutenant Jessica Wyman, succumbed to occupational lung cancer in November 2023. Her death was recently confirmed as a line-of-duty death, highlighting the critical need for enhanced cancer screening for firefighters.

Wyman emphasized that while annual physicals are standard, they often fail to detect cancer in its early stages, making the proposed pilot program essential. He expressed gratitude for the swift legislative process and the support from the Merrimack delegation, noting that this initiative is a significant step toward better protecting firefighters.

The meeting also touched on broader health concerns related to PFAS contamination, with discussions about a separate bill aimed at studying the increased rates of kidney cancer in the community. This bill, which received a $500,000 appropriation, aims to investigate potential links between PFAS exposure and health issues, further underscoring the ongoing commitment to firefighter health and safety.