The state has begun making payments out of a new $15 million fund meant to help firefighters who have developed cancer.
New diagnoses qualify for an immediate $25,000 lump sum payment, followed by up to $12,000 in reimbursements to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses. Firefighters also qualify for monthly disability pay under the program, which was created in a state budget signed at the end of last year.
"For me it's been a wonderful gift to be able to not have to worry about how and where I'm going to pay for my medical expenses," said Henderson Fire Department Chief Steve Cordell, who has had two brain tumors removed.
Cordell and other firefighters gathered in Raleigh Thursday for the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo. Gov. Roy Cooper spoke at the event, and he was presented with a helmet shield for signing the state budget that included funding for the pilot program last year.