Over a 20-month period, dozens of Nebraska firefighters have been treated for cancer, according to a TV report.
Because of that risk, the Omaha Fire Department has changed policies to keep firefighters safe from carcinogens as they go on more calls as the community grows, KEVT-TV reports. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, firefighters have seen a 9 percent increase in cancer diagnoses and a 14 percent increase in cancer-related death compared to civilians.
Frank Corcoran, the vice president of the Omaha Professional Firefighters Association, told KETV that several city firefighters recently have died from cancer, including Capt. Laura, a 13-year veteran in the department. Larson, 46, suffered and died from ovarian cancer.
“I think the city of Omaha owes it to their firefighters or community to make sure they're not just meeting the standards, they're above and beyond,” Ingrid Olson, Larson's wife told the TV station.
