It’s the battle firefighters face everyday that many of us don’t see – cancer.
“I’m not a firefighter but both my brothers were and I know the risks that they take on,” said Travis Horn, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Firefighters Union.
Horn lost his brother, Lt. Michael Wayne Horn to Melanoma on New Year’s Eve in 2002. Horn’s other brother, Lt. James Faron Horn, is currently fighting Spindle cell sarcoma. Both of Horn’s brothers worked for the Orlando Fire Department.
“Just like anyone, you are scrambling to cover funeral costs and make sure everything is paid. There is a lot of added stress on the family,” said Horn.
As of Monday, all Florida firefighters diagnosed with cancer will be getting some much-needed help as Senate Bill 426 is enacted into law. The bill provides firefighters who are battling cancer with several benefits. It also covers the total cost of treatment, a $25,000 payout, disability pay and death benefits for beneficiaries.