Councilor Santana asks for hearing on occupational cancer risks among Boston firefighters

Councilor Henry Santana filed an order asking the council’s public safety committee to hold a hearing on occupational cancer risks among Boston Firefighters and on city programs for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Santana said the topic is personal to him and highlighted higher cancer incidence and mortality among firefighters because of job exposures. He introduced Boston Firefighters Local 718 President Sam Dillon and firefighter Dan Ranahan of the Boston Fire Cancer Foundation during an earlier presentation; Local 718 described statistics it attributes to occupational exposures, including elevated risks cited in testimony. Sam Dillon told the council that “the work that Dan does through his foundation benefits our members, benefits our families,” and described occupational cancer as a leading cause of line‑of‑duty deaths for the fire service.

Councilor Ed Flynn, a co‑sponsor of the hearing order, and other councilors said they expected a full hearing with the Boston Fire Department, the Public Health Commission and representatives from firefighter health programs to discuss prevention steps, screening, removal of PFAS from gear and other measures. Councilors requested that the public safety committee explore possible funding and programs to expand early detection and treatment for firefighters and to identify best practices from other jurisdictions.

The order was referred to the committee on public safety and criminal justice to set a date and invite relevant agencies and stakeholders.