As an enrollee the World Trade Center Health Program, Utica fire Chief Russell Brooks says medical costs associated with illnesses certified as related to his time responding during the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York City are covered by the federal government.
But would that remain the case if he is granted workers compensation benefits?
The question has been an undertone in the ongoing dispute between him and the City of Utica for benefits pertaining to his diagnosis for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Over the past year, the city has denied Brooks’ applications for benefits under General Municipal Law 207-a, which outlines workers compensation benefits for firefighters, and 92-d, which grants sick leave for responders with qualified World Trade Center-related conditions.