May 25--The Ohio firefighter who crusaded for a law that would allow firefighters to file workers' compensation claims for job-related cancers has lost his battle with the disease.
The Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters released a statement announcing the death of Beachwood Fire Capt. Michael Palumbo, who died Wednesday surrounded by family and loved ones after a long fight against occupational brain cancer.
Palumbo was the inspiration behind Ohio's Michael Louis Palumbo Jr. Act, which Gov. John Kasich signed into law Jan. 4. The legislation was aimed at providing workers' compensation coverage for firefighters who develop cancer as a direct result of their job.
Palumbo served with the Beachwood Fire Department since 1992 after starting his career in fire service in the town of Willowick where he grew up. He was also a SWAT medic, part of the HazMat Team and a member of the honor guard.
The 49-year-old leaves behind his wife of 23 years and five children ranging in age from 8 to 21.
