Sweeney Reaffirms His Commitment to Firefighters’ Health Protections
Sweeney Reaffirms His Commitment to Firefighters’ Health Protections
ATLANTIC CITY – Addressing the 2018 Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey Convention and Affiliate Leadership Seminar at the Tropicana Casino and Resort today, Senate President Steve Sweeney praised the dedication and professionalism of firefighters while reaffirming his commitment to enacting laws that protect their lives.
“Firefighters are called our ‘Bravest’ because you are,” said Senator Sweeney. “You put your lives on the line every day for us. In return, you expect your government will live up to the promises it made to you.”
Senator Sweeney said the Senate was committed to pass legislation that protects the rights of firefighters who have had their health impaired after responding to catastrophic events, like the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“Firefighters who respond to a crisis situation like the 9/11 attacks should not have to fight afterwards for medical treatment and compensation for injuries or illnesses that present themselves years later,” said Senator Sweeney. “I am committed to making the ‘Thomas P. Canzanella 21st Century First Responders Protection Act’ law. This protection is long overdue. I will see that it advances from committee on June 4 and passed by the full Senate on June 7.”
“We are honored that Senate President Sweeney was able to address our convention,” said Dominick Marino, president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey. “Senator Sweeney has been advocating for our health for more than a decade by long supporting the ‘Thomas P. Canzanella 21st Century First Responders Protection Act.’ This legislation will ensure that when firefighters and first-responders get sick or injured because they were exposed to toxins or pathogens as a result of doing their job, like after 9/11, they will be compensated, diagnosed and treated – treated medically and treated with respect. Firefighters and first-responders save lives; Senator Sweeney is saving their lives.”
The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) was established and chartered as a State Association by the International Association of Fire Fighters on October 29, 1929.
Today, the PFANJ consists of more than 70 local unions, representing over half of New Jersey’s approximately 6,000 professional firefighters. Additionlly, the PFANJ represents more than 500 EMS professionals who are members of PEMSA (Professional Emergency Medical Services Association) IAFF Local 4610.
